NATCHEZ — Darby’s Famous Fudge was recently named No. 2 on a top 10 list of the best fudge in America in “Cooking with Paula Deen” magazine.

The magazine highlighted Darby’s fudge, which is available at Darby’s store on Main Street, as a “Natchez tradition.”

Darby’s owner Darby Short said she was contacted by the magazine three months ago and sent samples of her fudge at the magazine staff’s request.

“We were pretty tickled,” Short said. “No. 2 is great, but really anywhere on that list would have been great. I’m really familiar with all those stores, and we’re in great company.”

Darby’s Fudge was second to Dinstuhl’s in Memphis; and Savannah’s Candy Kitchen in Savannah, Ga., and Schmidt’s Fudge Haus in Columbus, Ohio, were also included on the list.

Short said she attributes the popularity of the store’s fudge to faithful customers.

“It’s really in thanks to people who have spread the word about that it’s become so popular, so we just feel really blessed by everybody that has really stayed with us all these years,” she said.

Darby’s is located at 410 Main St., and Darby’s Famous Fudge can be ordered at darbysfudge.com.