Homemade chocolate syrup

If your family is like my family, chocolate syrup is a favorite condiment in your household. We use it in milk, over ice cream, mixed in kefir, in smoothies or any other food you like. After reading the ingredient list for just about every brand, I discovered that they all have HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) as the main ingredient. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. There are a few brands that use real sugar, mostly on the Mexican foods aisle, but they are a bit pricey. After reading what the ingredients were, I set out to make it myself, only cheaper and better for us. Yes, I would not say that chocolate syrup was healthy, but in moderation and without the blatantly detrimental ingredients in it, one can enjoy it. This recipe is very easy to make and once done, I think you will be surprised why you didn't make it yourself before.

2 Cups granulated sugar
2 cups water
1- 12 oz can of cocoa
1T vanilla
pinch salt


Put water, salt and sugar in pot on stove. Heat until the sugar dissolves and the mix starts to boil. Allow to boil on medium heat until the syrup lightly coats the back of a wooden spoon (or 215 degrees F). NEVER STIR SUGAR OR IT WILL FORM CRYSTALS!! Remove from heat, allow to cool for a few minutes. Whisk in the cocoa to remove lumps and to make it smooth. Add vanilla. When cool, pour into jars to save. This recipe will yield about 48 ounces

That's it!! Very simple. As far as storage, I would say it will likely be fine to leave on the cupboard shelf since it is all sugar, which usually does not allow for mold growth, but if you have the fridge space why not keep it in there, just to be safe. The vanilla is a needed addition to this as it will add more depth to the flavor. Without it, the flavor will seem very flat. You can add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and even chili powder (be sure it is JUST powdered chilis and it isn't a chili powder blend, having garlic powder, onion powder, salt, cumin or any other spice added) to this chocolate syrup to really jazz up the taste.

The cost for this comes out to about $2 for the 48 ounces, which is a big savings over the $2 a 12 ounce bottle at the grocery store. A smile should come across your face as you realize the savings while eating that bowl of chocolate covered ice cream.

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