I figured it out!
I finally figured out the answer to all of those desert island questions! You know… if you were stranded on a desert island blah blah blah… It turns out the answer is always always always hot fudge.
Watch. I’m sure you’ll agree.
Q: If you were trapped on a desert island, what one food would you want with you?
A: Hot fudge (and vanilla ice cream) for eternity.
Q: If you were trapped on a desert island and had one book with you, what would it be?
A: Gone with the Wind… covered in hot fudge.
Q: If you were trapped on a dessert island would you prefer waterproof matches or a broken down sail boat?
A: Um… hot fudge?
Q: Desert island roommate: George Clooney or Gerard Butler?
A: This is a trick question… obviously. Gerard Butler with a side of hot fudge.
See? Hot fudge. Always the right answer. Amazing.
I’m pretty sure that hot fudge is one of life’s little miracles. It’s perfect. I happen to love chocolate paired with coffee. The coffee flavor deepens the chocolate flavor. The two are best friends in my book. Hot fudge over vanilla ice cream? Few things in this life are better.
Mocha Hot Fudge Sauce
makes about 2 cups
adapted from The Gourmet Cookbook
1/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2/3 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 ounces good bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), finely chopped
2 Tablespoon unsalted butter, cup into 1/2 Tablespoons
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
1 1/2 teaspoons hot water
Stir together cocoa powder, brown sugar, corn syrup, cream, salt and half of the chopped chocolate in a 2-quart heavy saucepan and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until chocolate is melted. Cook mixture at a low boil, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, dissolve the espresso powder into 1 1/2 teaspoons hot water.
Remove the sauce from heat, add remaining chocolate, butter, espresso mixture and vanilla. Stir until smooth. Cool slightly before serving.
Cooled sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Reheat over low heat, stirring to serve after it’s been chilled.
Marnie
Joy,
I don’t know how to thank you enough for all the laughs you’ve provided me with. It’s more than enough that your recipes are beyond fabulous, but your writing reminds me of what makes life worth living.
THANK YOU!
nr
Who?
The chocolate fudge sauce, yes, but I’m going to have to use maple syrup rather than corn syrup. I buy the former, never the latter.
The book? Beyond the Earth and The Sky by Jamie Zeppa. The story of a young MA in English who travels to Bhutan to teach Bhutanese children and youth, in the late ’80s. I have never read such beautiful writing and insights, in something that was not fiction. Try it you’ll love it. There’s been a few reprints, but you want this cover. Yes indeed.
http://www.amazon.ca/Beyond-Sky-Earth-Journey-Bhutan/dp/0385259425/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1279562789&sr=1-1
I love this blog: baking, smart writing, and English lit. You bet.
nr
Ooops. It’s Beyond the Sky and The Earth. I’ve read and re-read this book. Skipped right over the title to the photo. Bad.
Sarah
I just came looking for this recipe and did you really tag it as low fat but not as chocolate or fudge? You crack me up. No, really. I. Love. It.
keri
that looks delish!
Dawn
It sounds like you are hoping to get stranded on a dessert island instead of a desert island!
Kim
I’m all for Gerard Butler and hot fudge!
Tori
Ahhh! One more reason I love you! I may not be a huge chocolate fan but there is something about Hot fudge that makes me want to just eat it by itself with a spoon- mmmmm
Shauniece
Oooo Hot fudge yummy. I’ve always wondred how make fudge now I know!
Debbi
Awww….poor George!! LOL!
Maria
Such a decadent sauce. I love it!
Blandinebs
@callas : I don’t have access to corn sirup either, and use liquid cane sugar (or cane sugar syrup), the kind used in rhum cocktails like “planter”
I’m sure it changes the taste somewhat, but it’s still very good and I can find that easily at anystore (usually in the alcohol section, right next to Rhum).
If Joy has advice on the matter I’m all ears too though. :)
deeba
Awesome…what a GREAT post!! I love this sauce to bits. Sweetness cannot get better than this! Have a wonderful 2010!!
Tiffany
I have never made my own chocolate fudge sauce, but this looks amazing! My mouth is watering!!
bradley
You take good pictures.
I think rather than Ger… whoever, I’d have my wife – with hot fudge. ;)
Kathryn
Hot fudge sounds so good right now. Unfortunately it is 11:15p. I guess I could go to the HEB…but that seems like so much work…tomorrow perhaps…yes, tomorrow!
Rhubarb and Venison
Ok, I luv you that much more. OF COURSE Gerard Butler! Yummy even before the hot fudge…
Avanika (Yumsilicious Bakes)
Gerard Butler with an endless supply whipped cream and hot fudge! I’d live and die on the island, in bliss!
Abby
LOVE the new header : ) i’ll even go as far to say that I lurve it…
Sushi Girl
Hi Joy, (such a fitting name!!) Just wanted to say I love the new design graphics on your header. Oh and another yummy tasting chocolate sauce is with some chili pepper added. :*
Anna@BakingSimplicity
Gerard Butler and hot fudge together, how come I never thought of that? I like where you’re going with this! :)
Dani H
OMG! I don’t crave ice cream very often, but obviously it will be useful for holding the hot fudge sauce. I can’t wait to make this. Thanks.
callas
Those answers sound about right to me… I love hot fudge!
But I’ve got a question: As a non-American, I’ve no real access to corn-syrup (or at least not in any normal-priced supermarket) so I’d like to know, what I can substitute for it. Honey might have the right consistency, but has it’s own different taste, and I’ve never been sure about self-made sugar-syrup…
Please help a beginner in the kitchen to get perfect hotfudge! ^^
Terresa Wellborn
I think my skinny jeans just turned into hot pants for the umpteenth time in the past few weeks, looking at these yummy picts. What a rich sauce!
gentle reader
Hi! Love your blog, love your recipes! Can you use natural (non-Dutch process) cocoa? (I’m thinking it should be okay because usually the problems occur when the recipe has leavening, and rising is an issue…)
Thanks!
Susan Osborne
Would it be too indulgent to add pecans for the sweet and salty fix I’m craving? This really looks yummmm.
Susan
Jacqui
Yum. I just realized I haven’t had ice cream since summer! And this hot fudge is so calling my name, must make it now.
Lindsey S
*drool*
Dee Jones
The only missing from Gerard Butler and hot fudge is the whipped cream and cherry!!!! No need for a napkin.
Vicki Schmidt
Wait…I can have Gerard butler AN hot fudge? I never thought about that. Yay, my deserted island fantasy is now complete.
Mmmmm chocolately goodness with a side of hottie. Yeah I mentioned the chocolate first. I know my priorities! :D
Madeleine
The hot fudge is gorgeous and I’m with you on Gerard Butler. Mmm….
Erika from The Pastry Chef At Home
You know, I was never really into Gerard Butler until I saw that horrible movie with the girl from that show with McDreamy or whatever he’s called… and he played such an a-hole but somehow I found this wildly attractive.
On a normal note, caramel sauce with a side of this hot fudge sauce with a side of Johnny Depp is my dessert/desert island fantasy.
Cristina
It’s funny because I’ve been thinking of having vanilla ice cream with hot fudge the whole night but cannot get myself to move away from the sofa & blanket to go into the kitchen… but your pictures look so yummy – I’m acutally reconsidering
Julie
I read this at 8 this morning and had to make that hot fudge RIGHT THAT SECOND. I don’t have any ice cream in the house, but am happy to report that it is delicious fondue sort of sauce for apples, pretzels, and almonds. And eating straight from the spoon, I don’t mind telling you.
Now I am BUZZING like a bee and I am bold enough to tell you – you got all the Desert Island answers right – book, food, chocolate … Except Gerard Butler over George Clooney??
I am just so sure.
I forgive you because you gave me the gift of this mocha sauce. You many keep Gerard. I get George and this sauce. Amen.
Janet
Why, why, WHY have I resolved to cut back on sugar? Not.gonna.happen. This sounds amazing.
And definitely Clooney covered in hot fudge. ;)
Food Hunter
mmmm…
JamTown
this is bad news bears yet oh so good….
Heather @ chiknpastry
oh my. I totally missed the new header because I was too focused on the hot fudge and icecream!!! ha ha – i had to go back up and look after i saw a few comments about it. very cute and girly-like!
jenny
haha. you always make me laugh, joy!
and to echo others who have commented, the new header is adorable.
Brenda
I will not go to the store for ice cream and haul out the chocolate, I will not go to the store for ice cream and haul out the chocolate…the heck with that! Chocolate’s out, off to the store…
Kadie
Just when I thought I couldn’t love your blog any more …
Quick question – is this can-able? (would you need to use a pressure canner to do so?) I think it would be lovely given as gifts :)
christie
any combination of chocolate and espresso is an instant favorite of mine (hello, espresso brownies!).
joy, what does the brown sugar / corn syrup do for this recipe? thickening or more depth? i’ve only ever made chocolate sauces with butter, cream, cocoa, dash of salt and of course the chocolate (and on cold nights, chili pepper for that bite of sweet heat).
and in the Butler v. Clooney debate, the accent wins out every time – natch. =)
Lucy
I so believe that hot fudge can solve any problem. So Darn Delicious :)
Kate @ Savour Fare
Hmmm, can I have Simon Baker instead? Otherwise, I’m down with the hot fudge.
mttkauffman
hmmmm pay day + new hot fudge recipe = store trip for soy ice cream (damn lactose intolerance) and ingredients. Once again Joy you brought a smile to face and a grumble to my tummy. You’re the best!
Nicole
You’re so right, Joy. Hot fudge IS always the answer.
Dreamlyn
I too am a Gerard Butler fan; however, since watching a rerun of Oprah, I think i’d like to spend time on the island with the Argentinian polo player/model Nacho something or other.
Katie @ goodLife {eats}
Adorable new header! It makes me want spring to hurry up and get here. I’ll take a bowl of granola with hot fudge for breakfast, please. YUM!
howtoeatacupcake
Omg! Despite my major obsession with hot fudge, my favorite thing about this post is the adorable blue 1/2 cup dish!! Where did u come across that??
Jennifer
Ohhhh, definitely Gerard Butler. mmmmhmmm!:)
This hot fudge sauce looks SO delicious!!!! Bookmarking this to make soon!
Crystal
Looks delicious! And I agree with you about Gerard Butler. I’ve always been a fan!! I would even take him without the hot fudge….he’s hot enough on his own!
Liska
:D Butler and hot fudge would be delicious combination.
Megan
Since there’s coffee involved, this is considered breakfast, right?
Ok, sweet.
joythebaker
Totally breakfast! Spot on!
Evie
Beautiful. Love the new header.
Amy DeKok
Oh YUM!! Chocolate and coffee.. chocolate and peanut butter.. some of my favorite HEALTH foods!! They DO both come from beans don’t they?! I love the measuring cups too.. My daughter got me some for Christmas that are shaped like stacking dolls.. SOOOOO cute!
You are so fun to start my morning with <3
The Local Cook
mmmmm, must. resist. mocha. goodness. must. stick. to. diet.
joythebaker
Diets are so overrated!
peachkins
there goes my diet…
Mandie
*runs to store for vanilla bean ice cream and ingredients to make hot fudge*
cindy
i made hot fudge this week too…it is pretty much amazing! next time i’ll have to add coffee too.
Brenner
Yum!!!! Where did you get those measuring cups? I love them!
christine louise
This is incredible. Hot fudge sounds like the perfect treat during a blizzard!
Adrienne
I must know where you got those measuring cups. MUST!
(Also, Butler over Clooney? Really?!)
joythebaker
Anthropologie for the measuring cups. And yes. Butler over Clooney. That’s just how I roll.
Adrienne
Thanks, sorry for making you duplicate response!
Deanna@Marzipan
My kids eat vanilla ice cream with fudge sauce every night for dessert! I’ll have to add this recipe to the mix. It sounds delicious!
Silvia
This is a new one, but I think that chocolate and coffee go everywhere…
megan
oh my goodness, i would have trouble not eating this by the spoonful. it looks amazing!
Linds
Butler with hot fudge. Good combo. Like the header revamp!
Ginny
Gerard Butler. Definitely Gerard Butler. And the hot fudge helps, too…
Sweets at Vicky's
Just the thing I need for my sundae party. HOT FUDGE. I think they may even be my new favourite words. Thanks for sharing! *slurrrp!*
Maria Trader
ooh, I’ll take Gerard Butler with a side of hot fudge too please!
Amy
I like the new bumble bee masthead, Joy! Very cute. (And the hot fudge? Well, ya. Of course ;-)
lickedspoon
Thanks for giving me a big smile on a snowy day. The one thing that would make it better is fudge sauce…
Sue
What exactly is espresso powder and where can I find it? That one ingredient has kept me from making many yummy recipes. In my small town, all I have is Walmart and a few other grocery stores so I hope I can find there? Thanks, this looks so good.
joythebaker
King Arthur is nice! Mail order is nicer!!
http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/espresso-powder-2-oz?utm_source=frooglecom&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=shopping
linda
*heart* your styling…the juxtaposition of china, metal & anthro measuring cup is funky & fabulous!
the possibilities are endless for this super fudge recipe… sugar cookies/biscotti dipping…strawberries dunked into the hot fudge…
bradley cooper…yes!
joythebaker
hahahaaa! bradley cooper. amazing!
Elizabeth W
must. make. hot. fudge….
Where did you get those fabulous measuring cups, by the way?
joythebaker
Measuring cups from Anthropologie
Rebecca
Not sure I could cope with hot fudge on a desert island, but in this cold snowy corner of London I now know what I am making when I get home. Who needs dinner when you can have homemade hot fudge?!
p.s. Butler vs Clooney? Surely it’s Clooney all the way?
joythebaker
Yea. Clooney is a classic. It really was a trick question.
Lauren
I love this post! The espresso addition is genius.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
I just posted some fudge sauce this week, but not MOCHA!!! That sounds amazing!!! How yummy…Ohmigosh I was some now. Love the new header!! :)
Chaitali
Ohh…love your new header!
Wish muffins and croissants actually grew like that :)
joythebaker
Thank you!
Musketnuss
This looks soooo good! I adore hot fudge sauce. Definitely on my to-do-list when I finally order some measuring cups. Thanks!
Tegan
Wow! this looks amazing, i can’t wait to try it out! It’s the perfect weather for it here too! Will definitely be on the menu after a bbq in the sun tomorrow night!