Hot Fudge Sauce

As I was preparing for Caleb's parents to visit this past weekend, I realized I wasn't going to have time to make a big dessert.  I decided to just serve brownie sundaes, but I wanted to have some good toppings to offer.  I made this hot fudge sauce and a caramel sauce (recipe coming) to add to our sundaes.  I never realized how easy it was to make hot fudge sauce from scratch.  Now that I know how much better it tastes, I won't ever buy the stuff from the store! 

Hot Fudge Sauce

4 oz unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped

3 Tbsp unsalted butter 

2/3 cup water

1/3 cup sugar

6 Tbsp corn syrup

pinch of salt

1 Tbsp rum or vanilla extract

Combine the butter and chocolate in a double boiler (or in the microwave if you keep a close eye on it), stirring frequently until melted and smooth.  Meanwhile, heat the water to boiling in a small saucepan.  When the chocolate and butter have melted, stir the mixture into the boiling water.  Add the sugar, corn syrup, and salt, and mix until smooth.  Increase the heat and stir until the mixture comes to a boil.  Adjust the heat so the sauce is just maintained at the boiling point.  Allow to boil for nine minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove the pan from heat and let cool for 15 minutes.  Stir in the rum or vanilla extract until smooth.  

Store in an airtight container in the fridge.  To reheat, microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring until shiny and smooth.  Serve warm over ice cream.  Makes about 2 cups.

source:  annie's eats, originally from Silver Palate Cookbook