Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce From David Lebovitz

The holidays are upon us, how they arrived so fast I have no idea! It seems like a few sorts weeks ago I was laying on the beach. I am currently trying to get into the holiday mode.

One of the things I like to do for family and friends at the holidays is give homemade gifts. Aside from the usual cookies, I like to make candy and ice cream toppings. Once of the easiest and tastiest is Homemade Hot Fudge.

You could make fudge, caramel, and a few other sauces, put it in a basket with some brownies and other ice cream topping and have the perfect gift for the sundae lovers in your family. Personally, I do not know anyone that would not like a jar or two of this fabulous fudge sauce perfect by the king of chocolate, David Lebovitz.

Homemade Hot Fudge

Recipe from David Lebovitz

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3 tablespoons light corn syrup

1/2 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt

3/4 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Melt the chocolate and the butter in a bowl set over simmering water, stir until smooth. In a medium saucepan, while the chocolate is melting, whisk together the sugars, cocoa, corn syrup, salt and heavy cream. Heat the mixture over low-medium heat until the mixture starts to thicken and comes to a low boil. Continue to cook for 45 seconds.

Remove from the heat and whisk in the melted chocolate.

Serve over ice cream, cake or whatever suits your fancy.

NOTE: The hot fudge can be stored for up to one week in the refrigerator. Rewarm gently and use a bit of cream to thin out if mixture is to thick.

Chocolate Buttermilk Cake with Whipped Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Today is my birthday and what better way could there be to celebrate than with a chocolate cake? 

This isn't just any cake, it is a moist, chocolaty, buttermilk chocolate cake with whipped chocolate buttercream frosting. 

Buttermilk Cake

Recipe from Taste of Home

1 cup of butter, cubed

1 cup of water

2 tablespoons baking cocoa

2 cups flour

2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs

Preheat oven to 350. Prepare either a 13 x 9" pan or 2 8" round pans with cooking spray. In a small saucepan bring butter, water and cocoa to a boil. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add cocoa mixture. Combine the buttermilk and the vanilla, then add to the batter and mix well, beat in the eggs and then pour into prepared pans. Bake for 23-27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 

Frosting

3/4 cup of cocoa

4 cups powdered sugar

1/2 stick softened butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup whipping cream, plus extra

In a bowl which together the cocoa and the sugar and set aside. Then in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment cream the butter until smooth. Add the cocoa mixture, alternating with the whipping cream until mixture is creamy and blended well, then add the vanilla. Gradually add cream until you have the desired spreading consistency. Do not add a lot at once or your frosting will get soupy. 

Note: For this cake I garnished with berries and I used about 1/4 cup of frosting which I heated in the microwave and drizzled over the top of the berries. 

Linking to:
Stone Gable The Scoop
Coastal Charm
The Dedicated House
Dixie Delights

Savvy Southern Style

The Best Salted Caramels EVER by Salt & Ayre

I love salted caramels! I could curl up with a box and a book and be happy for about 10 minutes...ok maybe 15 if I did not embarrass myself.

Recently I was given a box of these unbelievable salted caramels and frankly they are the best I have even eaten! They are called  Salt & Ayre and are made by Harbor Sweets.  These sweet creamy caramels are enrobed in dark chocolate and dusted with  sea salt, making the perfect sweet salty mouthful.  

Since then I may or may not have purchased another 6 boxes. In my defense I did give 1 box away to a friend.  In fact I will be ordering a lot more of these to give as Christmas gifts. 

If you are a salted caramel fan then you might want to give these a try! If you have suggestions for your favorite salted caramel then please share with me!