Hot Fudge Sauce and Farm Kitchen Memories

As part of our 2026 Synod Assembly under the theme Rooted in God’s Story, we are creating a community recipe book — Rooted at the Table. Submit your recipe by Friday, May 1, 2026, and learn more here.

Submitted by Nanette Christofferson (Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Mesa)

This hot fudge sauce recipe has traveled through generations—from grandmother to mother to children and grandchildren.

For Nanette Christofferson, it brings back memories of her grandparents’ farm in South Dakota, where the family gathered around the table sharing ice cream, fruit, conversation, and connection.

Simple and practical, the recipe endured because it fit naturally into everyday life. But beyond convenience, it became a catalyst for belonging and memory-making.

In Lutheran homes, hospitality often happens in ordinary moments around ordinary tables—and those moments can become sacred over time.

Hot Fudge Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1 stick butter

• 1 12 oz can Carnation milk

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

Begin by using a small pot and placing the butter and chocolate chips together so they melt together over medium heat.

Then add the milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Stir constantly over medium heat (about 8-12 minutes) until it begins to boil. Boil for 1 minute and continue to stir. Turn off heat and let thicken and cool.

Use warm on top of ice-cream. Place in a bowl to dip fruit in. Cool completely and use on top of cakes.

Story

This is a recipe that has been passed down in my family from my grandmother to mother to me. And when my daughter moved into her apartment she asked for the recipe as well as my son. It is a recipe that is practical and easy to make for a quick dessert. If it wasn't practical I seriously doubt it would have been passed down, as my grandmother was many wonderful things but practical probably best describes her! My memories go back to my grandparent's farm in SD and we often had this sauce over any flavor of ice-cream. Or we would sit around the table and dip our fresh fruit in it. So many memories of great conversations, a sense of belonging, and yummy way to end a meal. Whenever I use this recipe, it brings back great memories but more importantly it forms new memories with family and friends and great conversations.