How to Make the Perfect Chocolate Sauce

Hurricanes slow time to a crawl!  I’m always wishing time would stop, but not really while waiting for a hurricane to arrive! We ate our ice cream with chocolate sauce after lunch and I realized, again, as I do every time I make it, how  l u s c i o u s  this chocolate sauce is.  People go crazy for it whenever I make it, so I thought I’d take my mind of this storm and give you the recipe before I forget! Here’s the scene of the crime:

I never thought I would find a chocolate sauce I like better than Hershey’s, but believe it or not, this recipe tops it.  There’s a reason for that.  There’s Hershey’s Syrup in it!  You could say that’s brilliant, or you could say it’s cheating, but when you taste this sauce, you critique it like fine wine: “Strong flavor of dark chocolate infused with sparkling overtones of Hershey’s Syrup.”  Perfect.  And here comes the holidays!  Timing is everything isn’t it?  The recipe makes 5 cups; enough to give relish-jar-sized surprises to two girlfriends and still have a mayonnaise-jar-size left over for yourself (because they will be back, like bees to honey). 

In a large heavy pot, over a low flame, melt butter and unsweetened dark chocolate together….I used Scharffen Berger this time, but I’ve tried them all, and they all work.

I turned the heat up to medium and added a half cup of light Karo Corn Syrup; the magic ingredient that keeps the chocolate sauce from firming up on the ice cream and rudely sticking to the back of your teeth.

 

 

Then, stir in a cup of sugar.

Now it’s time for the potent secret weapon.

 ♥   ♥   ♥

Two (not one, but two) delicious cans of Hershey’s Syrup are added; continue heating until the sauce is very hot; you want the sugar to be completely melted and smooth; no longer granulated (you must taste constantly for this :-)), stir occasionally, but do not boil. (Warning: You might want to blindfold yourself for this next part until you get the ingredients in the house. Oops, too late.)

And then, stop there, fill a bowl with ice cream, and pour over the sauce (more please), add walnuts if you like them, or a spoonful of our delicious Vineyard Granola; sit down and stare into space with marveling all over your face as you spoon it into your mouth.  Is it good?  It’s good.  Better have a little more. ♥  Then a nap, the perfect thing to do while the rest of the sauce cools down.

When you wake up, retaste the chocolate.  Still fabulous?   OK, pour it into whatever jars you have.  You can reheat the sauce in a microwave or in a water bath right in the same jar.  Do you see that smooth creamy goodness? I told you, we’re not fooling around here.

To give it as a gift, you can decorate the jar with a circle of lace or fabric, or a small doily, or if you find some of those old linen coasters in an antique store, they’re perfect to cap the jars in . . .  just hook them on with a rubber band and tie a piece of ribbon around them.   But I have to say, if I was given a jar of this sauce with nothing on it at all I would still be thrilled! 

So easy; makes about 5 cups:

  • 1- 8 to 9 oz. box unsweetened dark chocolate squares
  • 2 sticks butter
  • 1/2 c. light Karo corn Syrup
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 2 cans Hershey’s chocolate syrup

Melt chocolate and butter in a heavy pan.  Stir in rest of ingredients.  Heat until very hot, so sugar melts, stir occasionally.  Allow to cool to still-pourable stage, and put into jars.  Reheat in jars in microwave or a pan of water. Also wonderful over profiteroles, and with vanilla ice cream and brownies.  

 I’ve been asked, how long will this last in the fridge…in our house, it’s an extremely short time.  But I would imagine, based on the ingredients, it would last as long as a can of Hershey’s Syrup.

If you don’t hear from me soon, it probably means we have no electricity. Don’t worry about us, all is well.  We’re like the Unsinkable Molly Brown around here, nothing’s going to get us down. xoxo

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118 Responses to How to Make the Perfect Chocolate Sauce

  1. Karen P says:

    Oh yum! Skip the ice cream….I’d eat the chocolate sauce with a spoon right out of the jar!

    • sbranch says:

      I left that part out. I’m glad you do it too! I was just thinking about it, sitting there, alone and chilly in the fridge…

      • Karen P says:

        Better break it out, girlfriend, and eat a spoonful for me,too….I’ll be with you there in spirit while you rescue that fudgy goodness from its cold, lonely spot in the fridge! xoxo….kp

  2. oh that does sound yummy…i will be making this recipe for sure as my hubs is a chocolate sauce and ice cream addict.

  3. Jody Gray says:

    Words have escaped me….drool running down my chin. I think I’d better head for my freezer…….Keep safe east coasters………

  4. Joan Lesmeister says:

    Chocolate sauce, of course, a perfect dessert for storm watch survival, and vanilla ice cream, mmmMmmmmm ! Those Hershey folks will be wanting your recipe! Great pics! If I hadn’t had too many birthday cake “balls” earlier today (made by my granddaughter who has been a teenager about 9 days!), I’d be running to the Hershey sauce aisle in the grocery store! Great pics – thx! Keep the faith!

  5. Rosanne says:

    Oh my gosh, chocolicious! You really know how to wait for a storm.

  6. Feel free to send a few jars my way. I’ll provide the spoon. Ha! Ha! It SERIOUSLY looks good! And the old cans of Hershey’s Syrup bring back such sweet childhood memories.

  7. Karen P says:

    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE those cute chicken timer labels, too! Lowely’s a lucky gal!

  8. Nellie says:

    Oh, my! What’s not to like about THIS treat? Chocolate – the perfect solace in a storm!:-) Still hoping all stays secure and safe for you. xoxo

  9. Krista says:

    Susan,
    I haven’t left a comment before, but I have to tell you how much I love your blog. I read every post, and you bring me and all of your readers such happiness and comfort! Thank you so much! And the chocolate sauce looks sooo delicious 🙂 If it were me, I’d probably hope for at least a little while without electricity — that’s always fun and romantic. Take care!

  10. mari1017 says:

    Just the thing to take our minds off this rain, the winds and the water coming past our house down the street…we are fine, still have power, but Irene is not finished with us yet. Our gratefulness should be celebrated with ice cream and this wonderful recipe – I’ll “float” the idea now 🙂 thanks!!! and be safe 🙂

    • sbranch says:

      Was worried about you! So glad you wrote…no place to go but UP!

      • mari1017 says:

        that’s so sweet of you to think of us down here! Almost done with Hampton Roads ~ still rain, huge high tide and giant wind gusts, but we’re on the “almost over” side of Irene ~ yeah!!!
        We don’t have the ingredients for your yummy chocolate sauce, but that must be next on my list when I get back in my own house ~ my friends will receive the first jar as a huge thank you for putting me up during this storm!!!
        Now you all up there be safe ~ hope it winds down b4 it gets to you! (can’t make hearts on this borrowed laptop LOL but you are sent a thousand of them!)
        This is just the most wonderful place to come!

  11. Doreen Strain says:

    Hey girlfriend Susan, thank you for the recipe. I just added another can of Hershey syrup to my grocery list. I’m having dinner company tomorrow so this would be perfect for the ice cream I have planned for dessert. I wonder if I could use that to dip my strawberries into……ewwww I’m getting myself all excited about making it. Why don’t you just open that fridge and stick a spoon in there and take a lick or two…just to make sure it’s cooling down right. Wouldn’t want anyone to eat it if the flavor changes after being in the fridge! Right??? Just saying! FOSB 4~Ever! ~ Doreen ~

  12. Deborah says:

    Thank you for sharing this! It is for sure, going in my favorites, I love the idea of the gift jars…very nice!

  13. Jacqui G says:

    I love chocolate sauce! How wonderful- can’t wait to make some of my own. I have to say, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Hershey’s in the can like that…I will have to check out our grocery store and see. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the labels. Lucky friend who is going to get a jar from you. Be safe! Thinking of you tonight-
    Love, your girlfriend
    Jacqui xoxo

  14. Carolyn Ann says:

    Susan Branch you are amazing! A huge hurricane is about ready to “pay you a visit” and you have time to get out a blog, make a delicious chocolate sauce, and make a darling gift for a friend or two! The sauce looks soooooo wonderful and the photos are just so beautiful. I love seeing you cook in your kitchen. I love your stove and copper pot! Thank you, thank you!

  15. Reneelynn says:

    Susan, I too will be making this for our Labor Day pool party!! Sounds perfect for our ice cream sundaes. Thanks for the delicious idea. stay safe!!

  16. Kate says:

    We have visited Martha’s Vineyard and stayed at the Nausha House – there was a bakery across the street that had the best brownies – is it still there and have you ever tried their brownies? Sooooo good!

    • sbranch says:

      I’m not sure…I know Back Door Donuts used to be there, but it’s moved around the corner…I kind of think the rest of the bakery might still be there.

  17. Pom Pom says:

    I keep watching the news and it scares me to see all those swirly colors so close to your island. Stay safe.

  18. Lynnette says:

    This chocolate sauce sounds wonderful! Have you ever heated it in a water-bath so it could be stored in the pantry? I would love to make this for my neighbors for Christmas, but since there are about 20, I would like to get started early.
    Also, love everything else you do, cookbooks (bought my first one in 1986), blog, products, Williard, garden, photography, your clothes line (I put one up in my backyard, but I’m sure my neighbors think I’m crazy), everything!
    Don’t ever stop! 🙂

  19. Connie says:

    Yum! My mouth is watering just thinking about that chocolate sauce in your frig

    I enjoy your blog — hope you weather the storm in fine shape.

  20. Becky says:

    Perfect timimg! I am sitting here eating a spoonful of sweetened condensed milk for dessert (shameful) and I read your post and realized I have all of the ingredients for the chocolate sauce! What luck……..in a short while I’ll be dipping my spoon into the glossy chocolate sauce. Thanks for the inspiration and here’s hoping your garden, and everyone elses, weathers the storm.

    • Jeannie M from NC says:

      Wow! someone else who loves sweetened condensed milk! Most of the time I am very good about putting it all in a recipe, except of course what is left on the can that I have to finger off, but when I made Susan’s Basil Lemonade, I have left over milk! now what can I do with that! hmmmm!

  21. Gert stevens says:

    Oh Susan…how delicious this looks! I can not wait to try it…you know us ladies…we ‘must’ have our chocolate!! smile… and of course I know my Tom will love it too. Thanks for this great recipe!

    Stay safe…

    Blessings..
    ((hugs))
    Gert

  22. laurie says:

    this makes me think of christmas,, could you use this to make hot cocoa I wonder,, mmmm, I’m painting cranes today because they are flocking up to fly south,, there is a real whisper of Autumn in the air,, this and chocolate sauce mean winter to me!

  23. bj says:

    GOOD LORD…I could eat it with a spoon. Gonna make this just before Christmas and give to a few people I LOVE DEARLY. If I don’t LOVE ‘EM DEARLY, they “ain’t gettin’ any.” :>)
    Prayers for safety, you unsinkable thing, you. 🙂
    xo bj

  24. teachrlu says:

    Dear Susan! I was worried about you so I made your pineapple upside-down cake tonight, only I’m cuban so I had to add a little rum to the butter. Hope Irene treats you kindly. Keep us posted. BTW…I would have eaten the entire jar of that yummy chocolate sauce, no ice-cream needed! Take care!

  25. Pat Mofjeld says:

    Yummm…sounds wonderful!!! Will try it soon. However do you stay so slim eating stuff like this?!!! 🙂 I’ve gone back to Weight Watchers just to get their new program and I’m sorry to say, there are no “points” listed in their little books for this treat. Oh good, could that mean there are no points in it??? 🙂 We went up to one of our friend’s farm today and we processed 35 quarts of sweet corn this afternoon for our freezers! We had supper there and had sweet corn and it was very tasty, as was the watermelon we had for dessert, but that was before I saw the picture of this chocolate sauce and ice cream…Thanks for the recipe! 🙂

  26. Gigi says:

    Oh heaven! Can’t wait to try it — with or without ice cream ;).
    And I’m so glad to know you’re safe & snug. Here’s hoping Irene poops out soon!

  27. OK, Susan. You know, by now, that I am a devoted follower of your blog. But things are getting out of hand. I suppose part of it is my fault… I asked you for the recipe for the brownies. You see, I’ve been making exactly the same brownie recipe forever. My mom used the same recipe. My granddad used the same recipe. I even bake them in the same, old Mirro pan that they used. The recipe comes from a very “vintage” Duncan Hines cookbook. The flavor is great… the best, or so I thought. But, they aren’t exactly “chewy” brownies. Really good, but not that sort of chewiness that everyone seems to want. In fact, my kids actually say that they prefer boxed brownies. Can you imagine? But, last night, everything changed. Not only has Betty Crocker lost eight devoted brownie fans, but I’ll never win them over either. Not now that they’ve tasted the Susan Branch brownie! I can’t even bear to talk about my wife’s reaction when she took her first bite… “These are better than yours!!!!” So much for marital fidelity.

    I have to admit, however, that those really were the very, very best brownies that I’ve ever eaten. I’m not just flattering you here. The flavor is close to mine, maybe a little… better (grrr). But the texture! They are as chewy as any chemically enhanced boxed brownie. They are perfect!!

    So, why am I complaining? Now you are entering into another one of my areas – chocolate sauce. I’m warning you, if this is better than mine… I might just have to… Well, I don’t know what, yet.

    Just giving you a little ribbing. Those really are fantastic brownies. Obviously, I am going to have to make them my go to dessert.

    Have a great evening,

    Jake

    • Allison says:

      Susan, I very much want to try your brownie recipe, yet I can’t find where it is posted on here. Did I miss the post or is it no longer posted? Sorry to have to ask. Thank you for all you do to bring sunshine and happiness to our lives and homes. 🙂

      • sbranch says:

        It’s in the Autumn Book, do you have that?

        • Allison says:

          Susan, Of course I have your Autumn Book! Thank you so very much for taking the time to point that out to me. I hope you have a lovely Autumn and a wonderful trip to California. Thanks again for everything.

  28. Lisa says:

    I have one of those cute chicken timers! Love the labels, and let’s talk about that chocolate sauce. Yum! Be safe.

  29. Dawn says:

    If only we had things like Hershey’s chocolate syrup and Karos corn syrup here!! Unfortunately, those are both unavailable in Austrian supermarkets, so I’ll have to enjoy it through your photos and my imagination. Looks DELCIOUS, and your packaged up jar for Lowely is so adorable!
    Hang tight….thinking of you…

    • sbranch says:

      You should be an importer! Tell your mom! You could set up a “lemonade stand” for your Hershey’s Syrup! You’d be queen of the neighborhood! (which I’m sure you are already!)

  30. Kirsten Wichert says:

    This sounds deadly! All I need is my special silver spoon………

  31. Joann says:

    I LOVE the recipe; I just may have to use it this Friday—-I’m making the desserts for an art auction that will raise money for scholarships for a local high school where I worked for years. The former principal called me and asked me to bake….and my goodness, I couldn’t say no! So….not sure how I’ll use this quite yet, but you’ve inspired me to think of a few ways, besides a very large spoon and some bowls…..Thank you!!!
    xo
    Joann

  32. madame samm says:

    You are sweet enough…chocolate sauce well that just makes you sweeter and can we take it? …absolutely especially when you can it yourself with sew much you..and you share it with us …

  33. Sheryle Towle says:

    Now that is serious chocolate!!!!!! Thank you & hold on! The rain & wind have arrived in Maine, but your blog is spreading sunshine! How is MV weathering the storm?

    • sbranch says:

      It’s just windy so far, no rain, clouds are flying by! Looking out my window, up the street, I can see the big trees on both sides of the street blowing in the wind…leaves flying past my window, actually wild and wonderful, if you didn’t think it was a hurricane. I’m dying to go for a walk!

  34. Joan says:

    Thanks for the wonderful gift idea. I have a small collection of various holiday themed fabric and cute ribbons to use for jar toppers. Looking forward to trying this recipe. What a great copper pot and stove. So vintage homey. Watching CNN now. Hoping that all is safe there and the island is not hurt too much.

    • sbranch says:

      Not too bad, thank you… I can’t see anything but windy trees and flying leaves right now…looks like a blustery fall day!

  35. Joan Lesmeister says:

    Mornin’: Forgot to tell you THANK YOU for Willard! I’ve reread again, & again, & again. Now I’m removing my SUMMER cookbook, & patriotic look & putting out AUTUMN! Too bad it’ll be about 100 here today, but I have faith that Autumn is on its way! I’m off… to turn on the weather channel & check on you all! Take care….xo

  36. Margie from Lavender Cottage says:

    I was wondering what to add to my Christmas gift list. Thanks for the terrific idea. All my friends are choco addicts. They will love this. Hope all is well with you. Stay safe and dry!!

  37. Jeannie M from NC says:

    This recipe looks so scrumptious! What a great thing to do with a hurricane coming on! Maybe it will just skirt you knowing you want to enjoy your chocolate sauce with ice cream and a game of rummikub! Maybe even a splash of kahlua? mmmm! Enjoy!

  38. Deborah says:

    Had to log on this morning to see how you are faring! Glad you have escaped the worst of Irene’s wrath, hope it pans out soon, scary! 3million people without electricty! Anyway, here in upstate NY we are under some scary skies, and the wind is atrocious! I battened down the babies swimming pool with lots of toys and the big metal can of bird food, we are under flood warnings, but we did have our share in the early spring! Anyway, tomorrow is the first day of school in the University where I work, and I always bring in brownies or cookies! I got to get them in the oven before the power does anything but stay on! Happy Sunday everyone, stay safe!

  39. Rae Ann Roche says:

    So glad you are holding tight on Martha’s Vineyard…and keeping busy sharing your wonderful recipes…thinking of you and hoping the worst of the storm is over…

  40. Judy C in NC says:

    Spoonful at a time provides the perfect ‘pick me up’ in an otherwise dull moment. I will definitely be trying this one – have you ever put instant coffee in it – they say just a very small amount deepens the chocolate flavor – just can’t imagine. Thanks for the recipe and stay safe and dry. We made it through allright outside of Raleigh NC but the outer banks really took a hit. Daughter is still cleaning up. Judy C in NC

    • sbranch says:

      Giver her my best! We pour Hershey’s Syrup into coffee, I’m sure it would work the other way around!

  41. Gail says:

    Hi Susan,
    I live on the coast of Massachusetts not too far from you in a little town called Hingham. So far Hurricane Irene is like a regular rainy day here. There’s not much wind either. I am not complaining but due to the media hype I went to lots of work and trouble putting away our outdoor furniture and pool gear for this “storm”.
    Your chocolate sauce sounds delish and I can not wait to try it. I once baked your Boston Cream Pie recipe from one of your cookbooks and it was OUTSTANDING!!. Enjoy your afternoon and stay safe. Lots of Love from a long time fan.

    • sbranch says:

      Hingham is famous for having the prettiest Main Street in America (said Eleanor Roosevelt, I think)! Can you imagine how much it cost to shut down New York!

      • Gail says:

        Yes, Eleanor did say that when she visited here. Our Main Street is beautiful lined with big old trees and old colonial houses set way back from the road. I will have to send you some pictures at Christmastime. The residents there all light up with little white lights and decorate their homes with beautiful greenery. Of course, Main Street is lovely in a season, but December is my fav.

  42. Shell says:

    This recipe looks like a winner, Susan. I have to try it.

  43. Barbie Tabb, Wolverine Lk MI says:

    Thanks for the advice Susan, I will check out both Hobson’s Choice and Howard’s End! Thinking of you and all that story weather! In Michigan we’ve had gorgeous weather all weekend, went swimming yesterday in the lake and even got a bit of sunburn on my shoulders – a far cry from the storms you must be having! It DOES feel Fall-ish though, I think it’s the crickets continual singing and the cool nights….PLUS the shorter days. I washed the down comforters and gave them a round in the dryer, then out on the clothes line to make sure they were good and dry and sweet smelling. Wqs thinking of you while I was at a local event “Milford Memories” and bought 2 hand made tea towels to hang on the stove handle “a la Susan Branch” – they have tea pots on them 🙂

    • Deborah says:

      Try the DVD of Howard’s End…it’s a long time favorite for me. Anthony Hopkins at his (as ever) finest!

  44. Karen W says:

    Yum! This Perfect Chocolate Sauce will definitely be part of my Christmas gift basket. We have renamed it “Syrup Irene”. Ranks up there with “Back to School Brownies”,”Welcome Home Pie” and “First Communion Cake”. We associate food with life events…kinda like a food diary..Glad the weather is losing some of it’s energy. Thanks for giving our weekend a little extra sweetness.

  45. Jackie says:

    Hi Susan!

    Nothing better than any kind of chocolate for stormy days….or for bad days, good days, sunny days, winter days, fall days, summer days…but I digress…glad you are safe and cozy at home and what better excuse to cook favorite things! Hoping Ms. Hurricane Irene packs herself northward and gets over her hissy fit soon!

  46. Terri says:

    Thank you for the recipe – it sounds delicious. I wonder how Ghiradelli chocolate would blend with it. Hmm…I think I may have to conduct a study of how the various chocolate brands blend with the Hershey syrup. You know, in the name of science…
    Hope you – and everyone else on your lovely little island, fair well through the storm!

  47. deezie says:

    Oh my gosh Susan, are you kidding me, that sounds like heaven. I will most def be making some of that sauce. I love giving stuff like that as gifts for Christmas.
    We never lost any electricity but we sure did flooded. Stay safe, its still going to be windy for a few days
    deezie

  48. ISABELLA STEWART says:

    yummy looking chocolate sauce must check online to see if Hersheys chocolate
    syrup is available in Scotland.Thanks for the recipe and inspiration.

  49. Tracy Jones says:

    Hi Sue!
    Your chocolate syrup recipe looks delicious and I can’t wait to make it! I was actually wondering about your pot you used to make it in…it looks vintage. I always seem to burn my chocolate or come close to it every time, even though I have great cookware!

    You also posted a picture awhile back of an ironing board (can’t remember why) with a quilt-like cover that looked hand-made as well. Did you make that for your ironing board? Would you kindly share your sewing secret for that? 🙂

    Thank you for sharing so much of you with us. You make my life a little happier every day.

    • sbranch says:

      I didn’t make it, I found it in an antique store, but it would be so easy to make one — I would use another ironing board cover for a pattern; find a quilt that had seen better days, lay the pattern on top, cut it out, sew it to a thicker padding and use a heavy elastic around it all. I’ve already decided to do that if and when this one wears out, but I have to say, I’ve never taken such good care of an ironing board cover!

  50. pam says:

    Oh yum!!! Thanks for that recipe.. I think. I just finally got around to reading these last two posts.. holy cow watch out for those projectiles. Etc.xo

  51. Nancy says:

    So glad you are safe so far. I kept watching the tv for news of you (well, Martha’s Vineyard) and didn’t hear anything.
    My most fun sinful treat is to dip a spoon of peanut butter in chocolate sauce. Instant Peanut Butter Cup! Yum! Your recipe sounds wonderful. I will make it for the next party.
    Stay dry and send pictures when you can.

  52. Brenda says:

    Thanks for the recipe! Will try it soon. I also would stick a spoon in if I was craving some chocolate. My best friends daughter from NC has been visiting her mother her in MI and cannot go home yet because her home has no power from the hurricane. Her husband is a Navy pilot stationed in NC. I also wanted to let you know that I did not know that your Autumn book is still in print, but I have been told that it is and I can buy it so I can have the brownie recipe and all the other wonderful things everyone has been talking about here on your blog.

  53. Jane Alexander says:

    It is still windy in New Jersey this afternoon. Richard and I just took a short walk. Only saw one tree limb down. Lots of folks having trouble with water in their basements, and power outages, but we have been high and dry. A friend came over for asparagus omelets today, and brought a fresh peach cobbler. What a nice way to spend the last part of a hurricane. I’m seeing blue sky now.
    The chocolate sauce you made truly makes my mouth water!
    You, dear Susan are a wonderful blessing to all of us.

  54. Cyndi Harp says:

    Hope you all fared well in the storm. I’m from NC and left on Friday morning. I’m sitting in WV and will go home tomorrow. One of the first thinks I’m going to do, after we clean up the yard (or maybe before *G*), is make this syrup. My husband doesn’t like Hot Fudge but he loves chocolate sauce. Since we will have to stop at the store when we get into town I will pick up the cans of chocolate sauce. I have everything else at home. Thanks Susan for a great blog and Willard, I always feel like I’m sitting down with a girlfriend which I know is what you intend it to be. So take care all you girlfriends in and out of the storm!

  55. Jen says:

    I just stumbled on your blog last week which I can’t believe I didn’t know about because I’ve been in love with your book Autumn for years now. I love your attitude and your writings and want to thank you for making homemaking such a magical, nurturing pursuit in a time when it’s not exactly cool for someone my age (32) to love being “home”. But I do!
    Yesterday we made your cinnamon ice cream and gingerbread cake with lemon sauce which were so, so delicious! I’m so looking forward to this fall.

    I wanted to ask you: where do you store your out-of-season decor? I never can seem to figure out what to do with it. Also, how do you prepare your tea (I guess that’s kind of a loaded question). I would love to enjoy tea, but it tastes like dirt to me. I’m sure I’m just doing something wrong. It’s always tasteless yet bitter. Help!

    • sbranch says:

      LOL. It’s OK, we all have different tastebuds. I think beer tastes really bitter, because of it, I always say I have the bitter gene. Have you tried Constant Comment? That’s a really good tea to start if you don’t think you like tea. If that doesn’t work, I have another idea. I have a cupboard where I keep fall things, when I take them out, I put the summer things in. Isn’t that gingerbread delicious. The lemon sauce!

      • Jen says:

        Is that a Bigelow tea (that’s what came up on the google search)? What do you add for sweetener, if anything? I’ll give it a try, but I’m interested to know what your other idea is.

        Yes, the gingerbread was so darn good. I’m normally not a fan of foods with ginger and if I had thought more about the lemon sauce I probably would have left it out, but I’m so glad I didn’t think! With whipped cream last night and then cinnamon ice cream today, seriously wonderful.

        • sbranch says:

          Yes, that’s it. Been around forever. I learned to drink tea from my girlfriend who has an English mom…who taught us to use a spoonful honey and half and half — I still love my tea that way…especially in just plain black tea or Earl Grey. Constant Comment has orange in it, doesn’t require quite as much sweetener … but a little would still be good. They have Constant Comment in every supermarket I’ve ever been in. For years I just drank Lipton, then I discovered stronger more flavorful Earl Grey, now I drink loose Earl Grey that has lavender and rose petals in it. So start slow, and see if you even like tea at all. Maybe you have the bitter gene too!

          So glad you made the lemon sauce, so good! I need to make us some of that!

          • Carolyn Ann says:

            I love herbal teas with honey, but my favorite is English Breakfast Tea or a plain black tea with a little whole milk and sugar. Thats the way my mom used to make it. In the morning I love coffee, but I like tea in the early afternoon, evening, and bedtime. Just thought I’d put in my two cents.

          • sbranch says:

            That’s a great 2 cents. My girlfriend Lowely loves PG Tips with sugar and milk. When she comes over we have our two favorite cups, her’s all set up her way, mine all ready to go my way. That’s the thing about tea, we all get hooked to our way of drinking it — Joe only wants Lipton with sugar …then there are the ones who drink it straight … and every so often, you get a lemon lover!

    • Rae Ann Roche says:

      Try Celestial Seasonings Lemon Zinger tea…dee-lish…

  56. Janette says:

    The chocolate sauce looks yummy – thank you for sharing the recipe Susan. I must look out to see if Hersheys chocolate syrup is available in Australia too. Hope you all stay safe during the storm.

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  58. Terry says:

    Another amazing recipe! Thank you!
    How do you manage to stay so nice and thin?

    • sbranch says:

      I don’t think you’ve seen me lately. I do walk everyday. Try to exchange the exercise for the calories!

  59. Mary Ann says:

    Yum! Now I know the last thing to tuck into my Friendship Group Christmas baskets, its usually about sewing and crafting but I alway add a bit of chocolate and this is perfect! Take care as the storm blows out.

  60. Priscilla says:

    What a great gift for the holidays…or anytime!! We had a stove like yours in our old house & in order to sell the house, we had to include the stove….I was not a happy camper!!
    Glad to see all is well from the storm.

    • sbranch says:

      My first house had a stove like that, and when I sold it, I thought I had to sell the stove with it…of course I was sure the new people would want it. I found out later they got rid of it immediately! I could have cried!

  61. Mary says:

    Soooo happy to hear you are ok!! I prayed for you!

  62. Angie says:

    Susan, I see that you had “cans” of hershey syrup. I live in Florida and we haven’t had those in years. We have the big old plastic bottles. I didn’t know they still made Hersheys in cans. Where did you buy the them? Maybe I can find them down here. Thanks.

    • sbranch says:

      I just got them at our supermarket (it’s Cronigs, not a chain) — they’re approx. 15 oz cans, if that helps with measurements.

    • Angie(Tink!) says:

      Hello Angie where in Florida?…I Live in Central Florida…How Wild! xoxo Poof!

  63. Barb says:

    I was wondering. . . just wondering. . . if, you pour the choc sauce in canning jars while still hot and immediately put lids and rings on, if the heat from the sauce would cause the jars to seal and perhaps “preserve” the sauce for a longer shelf life? I never hot water bath my strawberry jam – I do it like the above – I know – against canning rules, but, I’m still here and so are my kiddos! lol
    And we know – choc and sugar – well they seem to last forever if you can keep your hands off them! ! !

    • sbranch says:

      We never keep it around long enough for me to feel like I need to can it! Plus it’s so easy to whip up a big batch, but I don’t see why that wouldn’t work!

      • Pat Mofjeld says:

        I think the “canning police” would tell you that would be taking your life in your hands! Better to eat it right away or share with friends, and write a note on it–like you do with Susan’s Christmas Cranberry Orange Marmalade–“This is fresh, please refrigerate”. Canning, not following the rules, is a little like walking in the forest and picking up mushrooms at random without a lot of knowledge of what you are doing. If you are lucky, it is good–but if you err once, it could be deadly…Could kind of gives the phrase “Death by Chocolate” a whole new meaning… 🙂

        • Barb says:

          Pat – you do have a point there – will take that into consideration – but just to put the “canning police’s” minds at ease – I was just curious ;). BTW – it wouldn’t last very long here once it was made and everyone caught “wind” of it 😉

  64. Jennie says:

    Thanks for sharing the yumminess! I am in complete agreement with your take on ‘waiting out the storm’! I hope you and all of the vineyard are safe and sound during all this storming. Take care- we are all praying for the coast, from top to bottom and back again!

  65. KarenW says:

    Hersey syrup in the 1 lb cans. I went to the website typed in my zip code and found a couple of store that still carry the cans. We’re in Memphis, TN. I like the cans too .. my Grandmother would use the cans of Herseys to make hot cocoa with evaperated milk. We would dip our fold-over peanut butter sandwiches right into the can for a little extra treat…..Big Chocolate Smiles all around!

  66. Cheryl E. says:

    Hey Sue!
    WoW! What a difference a day makes. Yarmouthport (6A) lost power at about 1:00 pm yesterday. We watched the storm (and it’s rath) from my inlaws on the water on the south side of the Cape where the storm struck head on! It was amazing. After we came home, we all settled in bed or a quiet spot in the dark and listened to the wind. I read my new Autumn book by candlelite. Thanks for the “heads up” that it may be out of print soon. Everyone who does not have it, needs to get it NOW! Best thoughts always xoxo

  67. Ginny Stanley says:

    Sweet Susan,
    Being a chocoholic, this is definitely on my to-do list. Was wondering, does it have to be kept in the refrigerator and can it be reheated more than once?

  68. Debra says:

    Susan, I love your recipes. Thank you for sharing all these wonderful tasty treats with us. I will make this Chocolate Sauce for my ladies group next meeting to go with your brownie recipe and a scoop of the best Vanilla Ice Cream I can find. Yum!….Hope you are still doing well with this storm and it doesn’t hurt your garden or your house. Will you be able to harvest your garden before your travels? I hope to see you in sunny California when you come, in Sept I think you said.

  69. Jacki says:

    Oh Susan….You’ve been guilty as charged….tempting CHOCOHOLICS…and I sentence you to a lifetime of making this YUMMY recipe…lol !!!! Thankyou for sharing 🙂 Oh…. i feel another poem comin on…..wait a minute…..yes…here it is :

    ” Chocolate Smiles ”

    What is it about chocolate ?
    You need to indulge in it everyday
    This I mean for fellow chocoholics
    We wouldn’t have it any other way
    We love our sauce and brownies
    And most certainly the fudge
    I’m guilty of all chocolate phenomenon out there
    But who am I to judge ?
    I love chocolate- mint best of all
    Followed closely by chocolate- cherry
    Wait a minute now
    I could go on and on
    Starting to to get a tad scary
    We’re going to have to call upon
    Our Sacred Chocolate GodMother Fairy
    It helps our spirit
    Travels many miles
    You can buy it, make it
    Worth your whiles
    Even if you’re diabetic
    There’s room for those Chocolate Smiles…
    ~Jacki2011~

  70. Angie Berry says:

    Pinned this to my Pinterest and can’t wait to try it out!! I wish I had seen this sooner though… I just came back from the store and bought 2 bottles of Hershey’s syrup, one regular and one special dark. Hmm… I think tonight I’m gonna see if I can figure out how to make it with the bottles. Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe!!

  71. Mary S. says:

    When you come to California, could you post a picture of your CA home? I know I would love to see it, and I’m sure everyone else would, too!

  72. Doreen Strain says:

    Tried the chocolate sauce Susan! It really is smooth. Richard (my husband),loved it. I’m going to have to get some more Ball jars for the next time I make it. This recipe really makes a lot of it like you said. Now….I just have to decide who to give some of the rest to. Richard says….why give it away? We’ll eat it all up, or have a ton of fun trying! Gotta love men! Thanks for the recipe! FOSB 4~Ever! ~ Doreen ~

  73. Lee Ann G. says:

    I love the idea of giving this chocolate sauce as a gift! This recipe will definitely go inside my recipe box. Somehow you make everything look so much easier and fun Susan. Thank Y♥U

    ♥Lee Ann

  74. Marilyn says:

    This recipe sounds wonderful! It probably wouldn’t last long at our house, either.

    I would love to bake a batch of brownies (using your recipe) and then take a square, top it with vanilla ice cream, and then drizzle some of this chocolate sauce over it all. Using LOTS of chocolate sauce. 🙂 YUM!!

    Marilyn (in Dallas)

  75. Laura says:

    Oh my, the sauce looks yummy! Silly question about the butter…your sticks in the pot look larger than mine in the fridge. Are they 1/2 cup sticks? Can’t wait to try the recipe…I have a 13 year old chocoholic who will love it!

  76. Karen C says:

    Susan,
    Just a quick question before I go to the grocery store, do you use salted or unsalted butter? Or does it matter? Thank you for being so gracious and sharing this recipe! It looks so yummy! Almost at hump day everyone! The rest of the week looks even better with Susan’s chocolate sauce!

  77. Angie(Tink!) says:

    Twirling into Chocolate Sauce….Pure Yumminess! xoxo Poof!

  78. Cindy Maulin says:

    i made your chocolate sauce recipe when i got home from school today…(teacher) : ) …..i was dog-tired, but getting into the kitchen always invigorates me. we were seeing friends for dinner, so i thought i’d bring them a yummy gift. i used an old Ball canning jar and glammed it up with some fabric and ribbons..inspired by your photo… i even used your “From the kitchen of…..” stickers….absolutely delicious and easy to make..you were right; they were thrilled!!! even tasted the chocolate sauce right there in the restaurant!!! thanks Susan for a great recipe..brought happy smiles…

  79. Wonderful. My teen son and I just made these for our “godcousin,” who turns 6! Tomorrow I will decorate the jar.

    I love love love this blog. This is the first time I have “taken action” on some of your suggestions but your writing is a reminder to me to live more simply and to appreciate the beauty around us. Thank you thank you!

  80. Martha says:

    Hi – I am just getting caught up on my favorite blogs – I was without power for 7 days in southwestern Connecticut. I hope the Vineyard made it through the storm okay. My daughters and I just returned from a wonderful 10 days there only to come home and prepare for Irene. Now we’re getting back to normal.
    Martha

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