HOT STUFF CHOCOLATE SAUCE

"This is for grown-up chocoholics; a pinch of hot pepper adds a pleasant bite to chocolate sauce. It's perfect for dipping tropical fruit chunks, drizzling over a banana split or on vanilla frozen yogurt or ice cream."

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or 4 oz. chopped semi-sweet chocolate)
1/2 cup half-and-half
4 tbsp corn syrup
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)

In microwaveable bowl combine chocolate, cream, corn syrup and butter. Microwave on High for 1 minute; stir. Microwave on High for 1 more minute; stir until smooth.

Stir in vanilla. Add cayenne to taste (allow a few seconds after tasting before adding more- the heat sneaks up on you.) Let cool for a few minutes.

Serve warm. Can be stored in covered jar in refrigerator for up to a week: reheat in microwave.

Makes 1 1/3 cups
Source: Homemaker's Magazine