Chocolate Syrup

This one is a request from the mother-in-law. I got the idea to make chocolate syrup from my personal cooking hero, Chef at Home, Michael Smith. I couldn't be bothered to find his recipe on my PVR (I tape every show!), so I found one here. Once I started, I realized there was a recipe right on the cocoa powder tin. Ha! Maybe I'll try that one next time.

This stuff is great on ice cream and for chocolate milk......

The syrup is a bit thick for chocolate milk. I find there is always some syrup stuck on the spoon. Perfect as a topping though, so I don't think I'll do it any different next time.

1/2 cup packed cocoa powder
1 cup water
2 cups sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla

1. Whisk cocoa powder and water together thoroughly in a large saucepan.

2. Heat on medium-low and whisk to dissolve the cocoa.

3. Add the sugar and stir/whisk to dissolve. Be sure the sugar has dissolved before continuing on, so your syrup is not grainy.

4. Bring to a boil and boil for 3 minutes. Be sure to watch this VERY carefully so it doesn't boil over. The longer it boils, the thicker it will get when it cools.

5. Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla extract.

6. Let cool completely and skim off any skin that may have formed.

7. Pour into a jar and store covered in the refrigerator.