In the spirit of Valentine’s week, I am posting the best all-purpose fudge sauce ever invented. It’s rich, smooth and keeps well in the fridge. A word of caution: this is rich and sweet, so enjoy it sparingly, whether you are diabetic or not!

This sauce is perfect over ice cream, of course, but also makes a delicious dip for fruit. Spoon it over pancakes, popcorn, or your partner!!

Everything really is better with chocolate, don’t you think?

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• dash of salt

Prep:

• stir together sugar and cocoa in a heavy-bottomed saucepan until combined
• add cream, stir until any lumps are gone
• heat slowly to simmering, then add butter
• stir and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the sauce is smooth and starting to thicken
• stir in vanilla extract and salt
• cool for a few minutes before serving, refrigerate any unused sauce in a mason jar or sealed container
• to reheat, spoon some into a small bowl and microwave, stirring every 10-20 seconds

Leave me a comment below letting me know if you’re going to try it on popcorn or potato chips!