Southern Style Chocolate Gravy Recipe

Sugar: Provides the sweetness that balances the bitterness of the cocoa powder.

Cocoa powder: Adds the rich, chocolatey flavor essential to the gravy.

All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent to give the gravy its smooth consistency.

Milk: Creates the creamy base for the gravy.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of aromatic sweetness.

Butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to the finished gravy.

When whisking the sugar, cocoa powder, and flour together, make sure to sift the dry ingredients first to avoid any lumps. This will ensure a smoother chocolate gravy and help it thicken evenly. Additionally, when gradually adding the milk, do so in small increments while continuously whisking to prevent any clumping. This method will create a silky and consistent texture.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a slight floral note, though it may slightly alter the texture.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a rich, caramel-like flavor and can be used in a 1:1 ratio, though it will make the gravy slightly thinner.

• cocoa powder - Substitute with melted chocolate: Melted chocolate will give a richer and more intense chocolate flavor, but you may need to adjust the liquid content.

• cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder is naturally sweet and caffeine-free, making it a good alternative for those avoiding caffeine.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can thicken the gravy similarly, but use half the amount as it has more thickening power.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with rice flour: Rice flour is gluten-free and will thicken the gravy without altering the flavor significantly.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that will keep the gravy creamy, though it may add a slight nutty flavor.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a subtle coconut flavor, making it a good dairy-free option.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile, adding a nutty note to the gravy.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract can add a unique, sweet flavor that pairs well with chocolate.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy alternative that will provide a similar texture and richness.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free option that adds a slight coconut flavor and a smooth texture.

• Allow the chocolate gravy to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the gravy watery.

• Transfer the cooled chocolate gravy into an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry to maintain the gravy's freshness.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The chocolate gravy can be kept for up to 5 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before reheating and consuming.

• To reheat, pour the desired amount of chocolate gravy into a saucepan. Warm it over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the pan or burning. You can add a splash of milk if the gravy has thickened too much.

• For freezing, pour the cooled chocolate gravy into a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Leave some space at the top as the gravy will expand when frozen.

• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness. The chocolate gravy can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• When ready to use, thaw the chocolate gravy in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.

• Reheat the thawed chocolate gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Add a bit of milk if needed to achieve the desired consistency.

• Enjoy your chocolate gravy over freshly baked biscuits or pancakes for a delightful Southern treat!

• For stovetop reheating:

  1. Pour the chocolate gravy into a saucepan.
  2. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  3. If the gravy has thickened too much, add a splash of milk and continue to stir until it reaches the desired consistency.
  4. Once warmed through, remove from heat and serve immediately over biscuits or pancakes.

• For microwave reheating:

  1. Transfer the chocolate gravy to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to prevent splatters.
  3. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval to ensure even heating.
  4. If the gravy is too thick, add a small amount of milk and stir until smooth.
  5. Continue heating until the gravy is warm and smooth, then serve over biscuits or pancakes.

• For oven reheating:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Pour the chocolate gravy into an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent a skin from forming on top.
  4. Place the dish in the oven and heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of milk and stir until it reaches the desired consistency.
  6. Once heated through, remove from the oven and serve warm over biscuits or pancakes.

• Saucepan: A medium-sized saucepan is essential for cooking the chocolate gravy mixture evenly over medium heat.

• Whisk: A whisk is used to combine the dry ingredients and to gradually mix in the milk until smooth.

• Measuring cups: Measuring cups are necessary for accurately measuring the sugar, flour, and milk.

• Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to measure out the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and butter.

• Stirring spoon: A stirring spoon is helpful for continuously stirring the mixture as it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

• Heat-resistant spatula: A heat-resistant spatula can be used to scrape down the sides of the saucepan and ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

• Serving spoon: A serving spoon is useful for ladling the warm chocolate gravy over biscuits or pancakes.

• Small bowl: A small bowl can be used to pre-measure and hold the butter and vanilla extract until they are needed.