HARD CHOCOLATE SHELL FOR ICE CREAM

 This fudge-y treat is rich, delicious, quick to make and fun to serve, AND....when you pour it over something COLD, it turns hard, just like commercial "Magic Shell" ice cream topping (except it is a lot more budget friendly).

I've only ever made chocolate (duh!!) but I don't see why peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips or even mint chocolate chips wouldn't work just as well!!

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Heat the chocolate, butter and oil until the chocolate melts. I do this in the microwave, starting at 30 seconds on high, then stir, then 15 more seconds and stir and a final 15 seconds and stir.

At first, it will seem like the ingredients don't want to blend, but whisk it for 10-15 seconds and it will go together beautifully. Once it is smooth, whisk in the vanilla extract.

Cool to room temperature, (you can use it right away, but if you use it before it cools down, it will take a few more seconds to harden on the ice cream).

NOTE: If you use your microwave to melt the chocolate, watch it carefully, since your microwave might cook faster or slower than mine and chocolate scorches easily.

NOTE: With the addition of butter and oil, I thought this might have a greasy taste, but it does NOT. While it is still hot (which is my favorite) this has a velvety texture, almost like the best hot fudge sundae taste.