Fudgesicles

Made with cocoa powder and real chocolate, these homemade Fudgesicles have an even deeper chocolate flavour than the original commercially produced ones. Balanced by the butterscotch-y sweetness of brown sugar, they're especially refreshing and intense on a hot summer's day. This recipe makes feel better about having one again without all those additives and chemicals.

2 cups milk or cream
2 Tbsp. cocoa powder
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ tsp. pure vanilla extract (optional)
¼ tsp. kosher or sea salt

Place chocolate chips in a large glass bowl, set aside.

In a medium-sized pot, heat milk on medium until hot but not boiling, about 3 minutes. Quickly whisk in cocoa, sugar and salt until blended.

Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips and stir with a spatula until the chips are completely melted. Add pure vanilla extract, if using.

Let mixture cool for 5 minutes then pour into popsicle molds. Place popsicle sticks in each compartment.

Freeze until completely frozen, about 6-8 hours.