Rhoda's Peppermint Hot Fudge Sauce: Webisode #3

By now most of my friends know they are getting Spiced Walnuts for Christmas, and today I am telling them that they are getting Peppermint Hot Fudge Sauce as well. This recipe was given to me by my mother-in-law who got it from her friend, Rhoda Janis, almost 30 years ago. As you all know, I love a good hand-me-down recipe, and this one has really stood the test of time. I think this hot fudge sauce is better than any other I have ever tasted because it is the perfect ratio of chocolate, butter, cream and sugars. Then, to really push the flavor over the top, I add pure peppermint extract to give it a minty candy cane-esque flavor.

If you have friends who don't like peppermint, like my friend Meghan for example, simply use vanilla extract in lieu of peppermint. This works very well and makes the sauce even more versatile. When I make it like this I am able to drizzle it over poached fruit, berry pavlovas and even slices of bundt cake. The uses are endless, although, I'll admit, sometimes I just eat it straight out of the jar and don't even bother with basic vanilla ice cream.

Since this sauce requires stirring over a hot stove I make this exclusively during my daughter's afternoon naptime. I don't want to risk any kitchen accidents, so it is safer for her to be asleep in her crib then trying to cook with me. When I make these for holiday gifts I double the recipe to make a large quantity. This way it usually only takes me two afternoon naptimes (2 hours each) to get everything made and put in jars to giveaway. As far as I can tell, there is a hardly a simpler and more efficient way to prepare my Christmas gifts!

To show you just how easy it is to make this amazingly delicious sauce, (and a demonstration on how to eat it with ice-cream!), tune in to Webisode #3. (And, yes, I know there have been a lot of sweets on this site recently, but don't fret, on Thursday I'm sharing one of my favorite festive dinner recipes!)

The Naptime Chef Peppermint Hot Fudge Sauce from Kelsey Banfield on Vimeo.

Rhoda's Peppermint Hot Fudge Sauce

a recipe from Rhoda Janis

2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 c. brown sugar

1/4 t. Kosher salt

2 c. heavy cream

1 c. unsalted butter, cut into pieces

2 t. pure peppermint extract OR pure vanilla extract
Yields 4 cups

1. In a doubler boiler, or a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stir together cocoa, sugars and salt. Immediately add the cream and butter.

2. Cook this mixture over the simmering water, stirring constantly to make sure it stays smooth.  Bring to a boil for 1 minute, then remove from the heat.
3. Allow the sauce to cool for 5 minutes. Then stir in the peppermint or vanilla extract.

4. This will store well in the refrigerator for up to one month. If giving as gifts pour the sauce into sterilized, airtight mason jars.

Naptime Notes:

Naptime Recipe Props: Everyone should have a great hot fudge sauce recipe in their repertoire and this one won't disappoint. I love that it can be made peppermint or plain and still taste delicious. I'll bet it might be delicious with orange zest, too, if you wanted to give that a try.

Naptime Stopwatch: As you can see, making this takes about 15 minutes from start to finish (obviously there was a little time lapse above). There is hardly an easier and faster way to make delicious holiday gifts for your friends and family.

Naptime Reviews: Have you ever met someone who doesn't like hot fudge sauce? Let me know. I will convert them.