A hot fudge sundae is a sweet treat that offers a combination of cold ice cream and warm fudge sauce in a single dessert. Sundaes have long been a favorite food of everyone from children to movie stars. Famous names who regularly clamored for a good sundae include Marlon Brando, Joan Crawford and Bob Hope, who all once frequented the Hollywood ice cream parlor C.C. Brown's, famous for its hot fudge sundaes until it closed in 1996.
History
Although the hot fudge sundae is known to have been introduced in Los Angeles in 1906, some controversy surrounds the origin of the ice cream sundae itself, according to author Michael Turback in an interview by CBS News about his book "The Month of Sundaes." Turback attributes the sundae's invention to Chester Platt of Platt and Colt Pharmacy in Ithaca, N.Y. in 1892. Other places claiming to be the birthplace of the sundae include Wisconsin and Illinois.
Preparation
A hot fudge sundae should be made with heated hot fudge sauce ladled over a scoop of ice cream and topped with a cherry. Vanilla ice cream is frequently used, although any flavor is acceptable. The cherry is typically a red maraschino cherry. The sundae maker may also choose to add whipped cream and nuts. Common types of nuts used include chopped almonds, peanuts or walnuts. Occasionally, candy sprinkles or other toppings are added, especially on hot fudge sundaes made for children.
Types
The traditional hot fudge sundae is made with premium ice cream and freshly made hot fudge and served in a fluted glass and eaten with a long spoon. This style is still occasionally served at ice cream parlors across the United States, but many of these traditional venues for ice cream have gone out of business. Lower-end versions can be found at fast-food restaurants served in disposable plastic containers using soft-serve ice cream from a machine and prepackaged fudge-flavored topping.
Alternatives
The hot fudge sundae is just one of a variety of related ice cream desserts. Other types of sundaes are typically defined by the kind of sauce used, such as strawberry sundae, caramel sundae and butterscotch sundae. The banana split is another related dessert option. Other desserts made with ice cream that may suffice when a hot fudge sundae is not available include milkshakes, malts, ice cream cakes or sundaes made with ice milk or frozen yogurt.
Nutrition
Generally, the hot fudge sundae is considered more of a decadent treat than a nutritious one, but there are some nutrients available in this type of dessert. According to the Nutrition Data website, a hot fudge sundae provides 21 percent of the daily recommended intake of calcium. It also contains many other nutrients, including vitamins C, A and D, as well as riboflavin, folate, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, Vitamin B12, zinc and selenium. It is high in sugar, saturated fat and calories, however, so hot fudge sundaes should be consumed in moderation.
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