Yahoo Lifestyle How to Make the Best-Ever Hot Fudge Sundae, According to the Experts at Ghirardelli
Struggling with what to do for your loved one for Valentine's Day? The holiday has expanded to include family, galentines, and for parents, 20-plus kids who you mostly have only interacted with by swapping diseases. Many of my friends have made their Valentine's plans already, which mostly include staying in and making some of their favorite meals or ordering in. Honestly, that sounds pretty romantic to me.
But while dinner might be solved, it’s just not Valentine's Day without dessert, preferably something chocolate. And who knows chocolate better than the folks at Ghirardelli? You may have indulged in a few of their delicious chocolate squares or bars or baked with their chocolate chips, but did you know they're hot fudge experts as well?
We quizzed Steve Genzoli, VP of Quality Assurance and Research & Development at Ghirardelli when we met up with him at their recently opened store inside the Empire State Building in New York City to get some insider tips on how to make a next-level hot fudge sundae at home.
What's the History of the Hot Fudge Sundae?
While C.C. Brown is credited with inventing the hot fudge sundae in 1906, Ghirardelli prides itself on perfecting it. (You can get the world-famous Ghirardelli hot fudge sundae recipe here.)
“The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop first opened in San Francisco's Ghirardelli Square in 1966," says Genzoli. "The story I’ve been told is that chocolate sales slowed in the summertime, so Ghirardelli found a way to spur sales in the warmer months by introducing ice cream to the shops. The idea that then came about was creating handmade hot fudge to go over the ice cream. Hence, Ghirardelli introduced the World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae, which became a year-round menu offering."
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And Genzoli has a personal connection to the famous sundae as well. “Like so many consumers out there, one of my first experiences with the Ghirardelli Hot Fudge Sundae was on a date with my then girlfriend, now wife! Who would have ever thought that someday I would work for Ghirardelli!” he says. See? Chocolate really is the flavor of love.
Related: How to Make the Best-Ever Surf and Turf, According to Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian
What's the Best Way to Make a Hot Fudge Sundae?
Genzoli has spent some time thinking about hot fudge sundaes. When we asked him about his go-to advice, here's what he had to say. "Premium ingredients enhance the overall quality of a sundae," he said. "When making a sundae at home, I recommend choosing your favorite toppings and opting for quality ingredients, like using a Ghirardelli Premium Chocolate Sauce and buying fresh whole almonds to toast and chop at home. I love to add texture to my Hot Fudge Sundae, so toasted almonds are my go-to topping. The more the better!"
At the Ghiradelli store, the sundae is built with hot fudge at the bottom, then ice cream, then more hot fudge sauce to ensure that every bite is nice a chocolatey. A healthy amount of whipped cream on top is optional (but is it really?). And don't forget the cherry on top.
For the other toppings, Genzoli signs off on chopped almonds, but chopped salted peanuts are a classic topping, as are sprinkles. In addition to the cherry, you might want to consider a square of Ghiradelli chocolate or a cute rolled wafer cookie—or whatever sweet thing your loved one is a fan of.
Related: The 32 Best Ice Cream Flavors—Ranked Best to Worst
What's the Best Temperature for Hot Fudge Sauce?
While it will depend on the brand or recipe being used, when making hot fudge at home it is best enjoyed when warmed to 115° to 120°. The goal is to make the hot fudge warm enough to pour while not being too hot, which melts the ice cream too quickly.
When you're making hot fudge sauce at home you don't need to use a thermometer, but do keep in mind that you want to let it cool off a bit once it's out of the saucepan or microwave before you start building your sundae.
Related: The Secret Ingredient for the Richest, Most Delicious Chocolate Cake
What Else Can You Do With Hot Fudge Sauce?
You can store leftover fudge in the fridge and use it in various delicious ways. Stir it into warm milk for a rich hot chocolate, or blend it with ice cream, milk, and vanilla extract for a creamy, fudgy milkshake. Dipping fresh fruit or pretzels in the leftover hot fudge is also delicious and fun. And if you're making a special dessert for Valentine's Day (say a cake or no-bake pie), hot fudge sauce is always great for serving alongside or drizzling on top for a little bit of drama.
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