Recently, I found myself reminiscing about my grant-aunt and her chocolate gravy.

Though I was born and raised on the Oregon coast, my mother's family were transplants from the Ozark mountains. And, what they say about taking someone out of the country, but not taking the country out of them, was certainly true in this case.

Farmers turned timber workers, their customs, pronunciations, and foods were still very much reflective of generations of southern living.  While my grandmother for some reason, never cared for (or in her dialect "keered fer”) chocolate gravy, when her sister would visit, one of the first things she'd do is whip up a batch for us kids. 

Super sweet and rich, it's not something you'll want every day, but as the temps begin to dip, this southern comfort food might be very welcome some Sunday morning.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup baker’s cocoa powder

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 cups milk

• 1 tablespoon butter, softened

• 2 teaspoons vanilla

Directions:

1. In a medium sized saucepan, whisk together flour, cocoa, and sugar.

2. Pour milk into the mixture and whisk until well blended and smooth.

3. Cook over medium heat, until thickened (7-10 minutes); stirring frequently so that it doesn’t scorch.

4. Remove from heat, add butter and vanilla, stir vigorously until butter is melted.

5. Serve immediately over flaky biscuits, croissants, toast , or ??? your choice!

I like to put some fresh fruit out with this morning treat to help temper the melt-your-teeth sweet richness of it all! Red rip strawberries, thick orange slices, or peach wedges would all be perfect accompaniments.