When I was in charge of my household, when I could get around better, when I was still driving, I tried to keep a well stocked pantry. It was too well stocked according to my daughter, Anne. I didn't shop every week. Once a month was more like it, when I got my Social Security check at the first of the month. Oh, yes we would run out of bread and milk, but that was about it.

I definitely had a well stocked pantry. The ingredients for Hot Fudge Sauce were usually on hand. When it comes to chocolate sauce, there are several options. Hersey's makes a good one. But I'm talking about Hot Fudge Sauce. It is easy to make and cheaper, too.

When my kids were growing up there was a ice cream parlor in town that was special. They were called parlors back then, not shop or company or anything like that. It was an ice cream parlor. They only served ice cream.

A recipe for fun! On a hot summer day, load the kids in the car and head for town. Don't tell them where they are going until you get there. They really didn't want to go. They had other plans, that is, until they saw which parking lot you were turning into. What a change! Each was calling out which sundae they wanted. I can still hear them in my mind. Do you have memories like that?

The jarred Hot Fudge Sauce from the store didn't make enough to satisfy my wild-child gang. I found a recipe that did. It was cheap to make, too. Back to my opening remarks about a well-stocked pantry. You should have all the makings for this recipe on your shelves. Give it a try.

HOT FUDGE SAUCE

2 cups sugar 1/2 cup margarine, cubed
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa 1 teaspoon vanilla
12-oz can evaporated milk 1 cup miniature marshmallows

In Dutch oven or heavy saucepan combine sugar and cocoa. Stir in evaporated milk. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil over medium heat. Turn heat to medium-low and cook until thickened, seven to ten minutes. Remove from heat. Add margarine and marshmallows. Stir until smooth and marshmallows are melted. Cool to lukewarm. Great over ice cream. Not too sweet. Cover and store remainder, if any, in refrigerator.