Mom's Chocolate Gravy
When Mom and Pop got married, Pop had to call Mamaw to get this recipe. When he was growing up, they were really poor (Papaw was a Baptist preacher and worked at various jobs. Back then life was hard for a preacher with 4 kids). This was one of their "desserts". Mom also made this when we were growing up and to this day, I still love a big hot heapin helpin. One might ask how do you eat "chocolate gravy"? With homemade "cat-head" biscuits (Mamaw called them this because she made them "big as a cat's head") or canned country-style (Do not try this with one of those flaky-type canned biscuits - it just isn't the same.) and a chunk of butter about the size of the tip of your thumb. Let it kinda melt, then eat away. This is just like any other gravy, other than the addition of the butter at the table. I eat this with milk or coffee as the beverage, as nothing else tastes good. This is Redneck comfort food at its finest. Times and yield are approximate.
When Mom and Pop got married, Pop had to call Mamaw to get this recipe. When he was growing up, they were really poor (Papaw was a Baptist preacher and worked at various jobs. Back then life was hard for a preacher with 4 kids). This was one of their "desserts". Mom also made this when we were growing up and to this day, I still love a big hot heapin helpin. One might ask how do you eat "chocolate gravy"? With homemade "cat-head" biscuits (Mamaw called them this because she made them "big as a cat's head") or canned country-style (Do not try this with one of those flaky-type canned biscuits - it just isn't the same.) and a chunk of butter about the size of the tip of your thumb. Let it kinda melt, then eat away. This is just like any other gravy, other than the addition of the butter at the table. I eat this with milk or coffee as the beverage, as nothing else tastes good. This is Redneck comfort food at its finest. Times and yield are approximate.
- Carbohydrate 35.026762497912 g
- Cholesterol 66.5031250435136 mg
- Fat 23.2074812648255 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 11.712593759851 g
- Saturated Fat 14.001835008801 g
- Serving Size 1 1 1/2 cups, 6 serving(s) (393g)
- Sodium 225.720000156775 mg
- Sugar 35.026762497912 g
- Trans Fat 2.16636625149581 g
- Calories 390 calories
Step-by-step
- Mix all the dry ingredients in a heavy saucepan with a whisk.
- Using a whisk blends everything better than a spoon.
- Stir in the milk.
- Cook over medium heat stirring constantly.
- Remove the pot when the mixture is thick like pudding.
- Add the butter.
- Stir in until completely melted.
- Serve over biscuits with a teaspoon of butter dolloped on top.
Mom's Chocolate Gravy: A Southern Comfort Food Classic
The aroma of warm, rich chocolate gravy swirling over fluffy biscuits – it's a scent that instantly transports me back to my childhood. This isn't your average chocolate sauce; it's a hearty, savory gravy, a cornerstone of Southern comfort food, passed down through generations in my family. My mother learned this recipe from her own mother, Mamaw, a testament to the enduring power of simple, delicious food.
Mamaw's recipe came from a time when resources were scarce. My grandfather, a Baptist preacher, worked tirelessly to provide for his four children. Life was challenging, yet their meals, often humble, were infused with love and tradition. This chocolate gravy was one such treasure, a simple dessert that brightened even the toughest days. The memory of its rich, comforting taste is deeply ingrained in my family’s history, and the recipe has become a symbol of togetherness and warmth.
The magic lies in the simplicity of the ingredients: milk, flour, cocoa powder, and butter. Yet, the resulting flavor is far from simple. The cocoa powder, I might add, is best if using a Hershey’s brand. It’s a key component, lending a depth and richness that other brands just can't match. It's the kind of chocolate that takes you back, reminding you of simpler times when chocolate was a true treat, rather than a ubiquitous part of everyday life.
Many people are surprised when they first encounter this gravy. "Chocolate gravy?" they often ask, puzzled. But once they taste it, they understand. It’s not sweet, not like a chocolate dessert. It's savory, rich, and deeply satisfying. It’s best enjoyed alongside homemade biscuits – the bigger, the better. Mamaw used to make hers enormous, calling them "cat-head" biscuits, and honestly, it is so much better with a large biscuit.
For me, the best way to eat it is with a pat of butter melting slowly atop a warm biscuit, alongside a tall glass of milk or a strong cup of coffee. It’s the perfect combination, balancing the rich, earthy notes of the gravy with the creamy indulgence of milk or the bold kick of coffee. There’s something truly comforting about this simple meal.
This isn't just a recipe; it's a story. It's a story of family, tradition, and resilience. It's a reminder that sometimes the simplest things in life hold the most profound meaning. It's a reminder of love, passed down through generations, one spoonful of chocolate gravy at a time. It's a taste of home, a feeling of belonging, a comforting hug in a bowl. So go ahead, try this recipe, and experience the magic of Mom's Chocolate Gravy for yourself.
Serving Suggestions: While the classic pairing is with large, homemade biscuits, feel free to experiment. Serve it with waffles, pancakes, or even French toast for a delightful twist on breakfast. The possibilities are endless!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a piece of my family’s history, waiting to be shared and cherished. Happy cooking!
