Homemade Chocolate Syrup

Of course this is not a totally "healthy" treat but it is so much better than what you find in the squeeze bottle.  It takes your chocolate milk and ice cream to another level.  It is so simple and a little goes a long way.

Chocolate Syrup
  

1¼ cups sugar

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder*

1 cup water

¼ tsp. salt

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp espresso powder **

*I have made this both with Hershey's cocoa powder and Ghirardelli cocoa powder - both come out great but I recommend ghirardelli.

** express powder is totally optional, i have made it without but if you have it - it deepens the flavor of the chocolate

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and cocoa powder and whisk briefly to break up any clumps.  Stir in the water and salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.  Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.  Remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes.  Stir in the vanilla.  Let cool before you refrigerate. I store mine in a mason jar.