Few pleasures compare to a bowl of homemade ice cream. But, what about that same bowl of ice cream with homemade Hot Fudge Sauce? Aren't we talking at least a little better? Real hot fudge sauce does not necessarily come from a jar purchased at the local grocery. The best is from your own kitchen. I have found a very simple and incredibly wonderful recipe. A friend shared this treasure with me and I do hope you give it a try.

Melt butter and chocolate together in a saucepan. Add the salt and sugar and stir till sugar is mostly dissolved. Stir in the milk a little at a time until sauce is of desired consistency. You may not need the entire can, just what is needed for the consistency right for hot fudge. Let cool to lukewarm and stir in vanilla. Store tightly capped in the refrigerator.

This recipe is something a little different and very special. A syrup with the flavor of brown sugar and pecans. Praline Syrup can also be used as a topping for pancakes and waffles as well as ice cream.

Combine corn syrup, brown sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil; boil one minute. Reduce heat; stir in pecans and vanilla; simmer 5 minutes. Store tightly capped in the refrigerator.

This recipe makes the best chocolate milk in the world, and as an expert in chocolate milk, you can trust me. Aren't all kids, (no matter our chronological age,) experts when it comes to chocolate milk?

In medium saucepan stir together the sugar, cocoa and salt. Gradually add water, stirring to keep mixture smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils. Cook and stir for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Pour into heatproof container. Cool to room temperature. Store tightly capped in the refrigerator. Use this topping for ice cream and desserts or for chocolate-flavored drinks like hot cocoa or chocolate milk.