Hot fudge sauce is something I just can't get enough of. When I was little and my grandparents would take me to McDonald's I would ask for a hot fudge sundae with fudge layered under the ice cream as well as on top.

But you don't need to buy fudge sauce in a jar or from McDonald's; it's quite easy to make, and free here of added colors and preservatives. This is real hot fudge sauce - thick, dark, and not too sweet. It has just a slight graininess that feels and tastes like old-fashioned fudge candy. All you need is a good plain cake with this ladled on top to make a sweet winter dessert.

Old-Fashioned Hot Fudge Sauce
makes about 1 1/2 cups

1/4 cup butter (half a stick)
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
2/3 cup boiling water
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan, then add the chocolate and melt over low heat. When the chocolate is melted, stir in the boiling water, sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring, then stop stirring and let it boil for six to eight minutes, or until it's thickened and become glossy.

This will keep in the fridge for a week or so. Reheat over low heat on the stove, or on low power in the microwave, stopping frequently to stir.