Spiced Holiday Chocolate Sauce in Pretty Gift Jars
You can’t go wrong with chocolate as a holiday gift. Hey! It’s the holidays! No dieting allowed!
I decided to try a frugal version of chocolate sauce, so I decided to go with cocoa powder. Dutch processed is the best because it is less bitter. To add richness, I added a little dark cocoa powder to the regular Dutch cocoa powder.
This is a beautiful, rich sauce that is full of flavor. Just a few spoonfuls is all you need to top brownies, ice cream or to drizzle over your favorite desserts. My hubby added a spoonful to hot milk and made a delicious rich hot chocolate drink.
The last few years I have also loved adding a little spice to chocolate recipes to “wake up” the taste. The beauty of this recipe is that you can choose your own flavors to pair with the chocolate. I like southwest spices, so I used chipotle, cinnamon and almond. You could try orange zest or extract. Peppermint is always a perfect chocolate pairing, too!
I say be creative! Go wild! The choice is yours!
Most Wonderful Season’s Eatings To You, My Fab Frugal Friends!
SPICED HOT FUDGE SAUCE
Makes 3 cups
1 1/2 cups sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1 cup Dutch processed cocoa powder
2 tablespoons dark cocoa powder
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
Seasonings as desired**
Combine sugar, corn syrup, cocoa powders and evaporated milk in a large stockpot. Cook over medium high heat until mixture comes to a full rolling boil. Turn heat to medium low and continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes, whisking frequently to release steam and help thicken sauce.
Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla and salt until butter is completely melted. Let cool to warm.
** At this point, taste and add in whatever seasonings you like. Try a teaspoon of extract, such as almond, peppermint, or orange. I also added a teaspoon of cayenne pepper sauce and a dash or two of cinnamon.
Serve immediately, or store in your fridge for up to 4 weeks, reheating in microwave before serving.
Dairy Free Gifts From the Kitchen, Go Dairy Free
Holiday Gifts for Kids in the Kitchen, Pardon My Crumbs
30 Holiday Gift Ideas, Brown Eyed Baker
A Week of Gifts from The Kitchen, Framed Cooks
Gifts Cooks Love. Living in the Kitchen with Puppies
— posted by Donna
Ladies that looks amazing! Thanks so much for the link-up, very sweet of you :)
Alisa – Wishing you Fab Frugal holidays!
Ohh…I would love to see a jar of this under my tree!
Charisse – I am making this for Santa instead of cookies this year!
I have no doubt that people would be thrilled to receive a jar of this for Christmas.
Thanks Lisa! Maybe Santa will bring you a jar!
Whoa! Dark spiced chocolate sauced sounds amazing!
Linda – Do try it, with or without the spice!
What a wonderful gift idea! I’d love to try the recipe!
I’m hosting a Christmas Recipe party on Thursday (with prizes). Hope you can stop by!
Thanks Jerri! I love your “peace wreath!”
These look dangerous to have around the house. Which probably is why they make the perfect gift! I can give them to my parents and then indulge only when I go over to visit. The gift that keeps on giving.
Yes, Joanne – perfect for the parents’ pantry!
Mmmmmm!! And what a beautiful presentation!
Thanks Kimberly! Beautiful and easy – a great combo!
I would LOVE to receive a jar of this chocolate sauce as a gift!
Sue – Just whip this up in no time!
That picture is just so darned festive!!!
Kate – Agreed. What’s more festive than chocolate sauce?!
How decadent! And you’re so right – you can never go wrong with chocolate. :)
I have a list of homemade gift ideas on my website, Laughing Wallet. If you’d like to leave a comment adding this to the list, I’m pretty sure you’d make some gift givers and recipients happy!
Suzanne – Homemade gifts are the best gifts!
Everyone can always use chocolate sauce! Love this idea!
Thanks CaSaundra – Happy Holidays!