Hot fudge from heaven

One of my all-time favorite desserts is a simple one: really good vanilla ice cream topped with really good hot fudge. (Some might call it a hot fudge sundae.) You can go fancy with the vanilla, but for everyday use, I like Breyers' extra creamy all natural vanilla. Regular Breyers ice cream sometimes has an airy texture that I find less appealing, but the extra creamy version takes care of this and the "all natural" bit is just an extra pat on the back. They have a pretty good vanilla bean version too.

But the best part about this vanilla ice cream is the layer of homemade hot fudge you drizzle on top. Here's a favorite recipe.

HEAVENLY HOT FUDGE

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
• 3/4 cups heavy or whipping cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons butter (no substitutions)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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DIRECTIONS

1. Chop chocolate. In 2-quart saucepan, combine cream, sugar, honey, butter, salt, and half of chocolate. Heat on medium 5 minutes or until bubbles form at edge, stirring with wire whisk. Reduce heat to low; simmer 10 minutes, whisking often.
2. Remove from heat. Whisk in vanilla and remaining chocolate until mixture is smooth. Cool 5 minutes or until thickened slightly, whisking often. Serve warm over ice cream.