HOT FUDGE SUNDAES

This and the chocolate ganache (below) can both be made ahead. Use good ice cream: vanilla, chocolate, caramel, strawberry, butterscotch or coffee work well. Chocolate discs are sold in the gourmet chocolate section of supermarkets.

12 scoops good-quality ice cream
Chocolate Ganache (recipe follows)
Butterscotch Sauce (recipe follows)
Lightly sweetened whipped cream
1/2 cup lightly salted dry-roast peanuts, coarsely chopped
4 whole maraschino cherries, stems intact
4 small chocolate discs or other chocolate shape decorations
4 long cigarette cookies

At least an hour ahead, place 4 glass sundae dishes or shallow bowls in freezer to chill.

To assemble sundaes, warm chocolate ganache and butterscotch sauce.

Remove dishes from freezer, place 3 scoops ice cream in each. Spoon generous amount of ganache and butterscotch sauce on top. Add dollop of whipped cream; sprinkle with chopped peanuts. Top each sundae with cherry and chocolate disc. Place cookie in one side of dish. Serve with long spoons.

Makes 4 large sundaes.

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CHOCOLATE GANACHE
Makes about 1/2 cup

1/2 cup 35 per cent (whipping) cream
4 oz (125 g) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

Pour cream into small saucepan; place over medium heat. Bring to boil; immediately remove from heat.

Meanwhile, place chocolate in medium bowl. Pour hot cream over chocolate; stir until smooth. Use immediately or cover and chill. May be made up to 4 days ahead.

(Ganache can be gently warmed in small amounts in microwave on Medium or in top of double boiler, uncovered, over barely simmering water. Stir frequently with either method.)

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BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE
Makes about 2 cups

1 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup dark corn syrup
1 cup whipping cream
2 tbsp butter, in small pieces
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch salt

Combine sugar, corn syrup and cream in small saucepan. Bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer 4 minutes.

Remove from heat, stir in butter, vanilla, salt. Cool, cover, refrigerate. Warm in microwave in small increments on Medium or in double boiler, uncovered.

Source: Regan Daley; The Toronto Star, September 20, 2000