Small claims
Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 2:46PM Excuse the announcement but, as there were some kind requests for one, I've added an email subscription feature to this site. You can click "subscribe" up there on the top bar, or right here.
I've got to begin with thanks.
That last post, about my grandmother, was, well, I don't know what to say. It was a big one for me. To write, and to share. But oh, you guys are amazing. I could not have dreamed of a more comforting, hopeful, or supportive response, nor could I ask to be part of a better community. I cannot get over the generosity of your kindness. I was honoured to read your thoughts and anecdotes and I am working my way through the thread, sending personal replies, rather than commenting here. Until you hear from me directly, please take this as a thank you. Dessert is my preferred way of expressing gratitude lately. I hope there's no objection.
On this end, school's started. Not for just one lad around here, but, for the first time, two are off each day. There are bookbags leaning by the door, and snacks to pack, and matching drink bottles to fill. I spent one afternoon with a sharpie in hand, dutifully labelling the insides of shoes, and coats, and hats; in nice, clear, printing I wrote the names of their respective owners, the names of my children, staking small claims of childhood property in the big, new world they're now a part of.
There's been a lot of firsts. For them, and for my husband and me. There's been a few tears, even. Summer left overnight. There's wasn't the soft fade, the diffusion of one season to the next. With Labor Day, a switch was flipped, the needs of the next day changed, and we were expected to fall in line.
There's been some stumbles, but we're keeping up. And for the times when we don't, we've had chocolate sauce. With the first day of long pants and long sleeves, there was a call for hot chocolate, and I used this sauce as its base. One morning (don't judge!) where there was unexpected sun, so there were coconut-chocolate milkshakes for two. And earlier today there was a 4-year-old-sized ice cream cone, topped with a spoonful of chocolate, apropos of nothing more than the fact we'd made it through Monday. Sometimes the smallest of victories call for the most fanfare.
(There was also an adult-sized sundae of vanilla ice cream, aforementioned chocolate sauce, preserved cherries, and toasty, roasted walnuts, which amounted to frosty trudge through the Black Forest — a trip you really should take.)
Chocolate sauce is something seperate from hot fudge; it is thinner, sharper, and less sweet. Chocolate sauce doesn't have its dense chew either. It coats a spoon, but runs off quick enough. It can be used cold, or at room temperture, or gently warmed. It is what I like to use for this cake, or ripple into an ice cream like this one, and if it's usefulness wasn't enough, this chocolate sauce takes less than five minutes to make. Seriously. It's the kind of go-to sweet something to keep stowed in the fridge door for emergency situations. Or Mondays.
Simple, quick chocolate sauce
This recipe began with one from David Lebovitz; I've halved the overall quantites, added some ingredients and fiddled some others, because I'm evidently a difficult pupil. I can't help it, I like the character coffee brings to chocolate, and so can't seem have one without the other — in this sauce especially.
Ingredients
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup white corn syrup, agave nectar or glucose
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules, I use decaf
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 ounce bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the water, sugar, corn syrup, cocoa powder, instant coffee granules and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Once it's come to the simmer, remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate until melted. Set aside at room temperature for a few hours, it will thicken as it cools. Store, covered in the refrigerator, for up to 10 days.
Reader Comments (23)
Both boys are in school? How can it be?! Such a lovely post and what a great recipe. Adaptable in so many ways, fitting the day accordingly. Always great to find you here.
I'm with Ashley, how is it that time has flown THAT FAST? Wasn't it just yesterday that you posted those three spoons?
I think I might need some chocolate sauce as well. As consolation.
I'm pinning this recipe. And I agree chocolate sauce is a wonderful cure. I've had a lot of tears myself this school year as I, too, sent #2 off to school. And in my case, she was signed up for half day and they canceled that option 2 weeks before school started! I haven't even written about it on my blog yet for fear I will bawl like a baby! We spent all summer talking about the things we were going to do with our afternoons, and instead my days are suddenly empty.
Which at the very least has allowed me to discover new blogs. Yours is beautiful.
This is my go-to chocolate sauce recipe! I want to know what went into that sundae :)
I love the sound of this sauce! Yum!
Such a gorgeous post. And thank you for sharing.
Ah! Just stopping by from Cup of Jo, and I see the chocolate sauce I need for the amazing coconut recipe is right here! Genius.
This looks and sounds so incredibly delicious. Can't wait to make it and use it in that amazing milkshake! :)
It's always such a breath of fresh air to visit -- I enjoy your writing so much and always have. More memories of little ones off to school. My two older boys are 17 mos. apart, so I remember. Life has gone by so fast -- I envy you digital photos. There was no such thing when mine went. Enjoy every minute! And you won't have to twist my arm on the chocolate sauce...
Beautiful post.
hi! I love your blog and all the photos. Thanks!
(edited for content)
There is always such a beautiful link between food, family, time and place in your posts. Such a pleasure to read.
Thanks and hello all! Yes, Ashley and Tea, they're in school. I can hardly believe it. Our littlest is only half day, but still.
Welcome to new visitors via Cup of Jo, was fun to share the coconut milkshake recipe. Hope you'll be back.
Love the story. The season change did come suddenly this year! It seems that great recipes (and chocolate) help to really soften that sharp transition. It's so nice to have that comfort! This chocolate sauce looks amazing and I'm definitely going to give it a try. Anything adapted from David Lebovitz makes it onto my list :D
Thanks for the post & love your photography!
Two schoolboys! That's no small victory at all. (And yes Ashley, and Tea: Truly, already?!)
Nor is a Monday, closed and finished, whatever the ending.
Happy back to school to you and yours, Tara.
I can't imagine a sweeter start to a new year.
xo,
Molly
"Sometimes the smallest of victories call for the most fanfare." I couldn't agree more. And sometimes the best fanfare is chocolate sauce and ice cream :)
The photos are so appealing! Beautiful recipe, can't wait to try!
-Sara
www.eatfeelfresh.com
Looks like I have another great sauce to try, I am sure I will love it, thanks for sharing!
This looks totally indulgent. I can't wait to try it!
This would be such a great sauce to try. I wouldn't mind pouring it on one of the exotic flavoured ice creams they have here in Korea.
Beautiful recipe paired with delectable photos! I tried this with the agave nectar and couldn't get enough! My excuse: the coffee gave me a much needed jolt. Thanks for the recipe!
Gorgeous recipe and beautiful post!
Such an interesting menu worth to try. Love your layered cake, too.
Wow, who takes these pictures?