While every Southerner savors the creamy breakfast favorite, biscuits and gravy, at least every once in a while, it's usually referencing the sausage-speckled gravy our Mama made the best. But on even more rare occasions, Mama would break out the chocolate gravy. Maybe it was for a birthday, or maybe she was feeling a little generous that Sunday morning—no matter the reason, it wasn’t a treat to miss. Chocolate gravy is a sweet Southern recipe that pairs perfectly with your favorite flaky biscuits. To those who have never tried it, it might seem like an unlikely duo; but Southerners know the power of a homemade biscuit with a sweet touch. (A fresh biscuit, hot out of the oven and drizzled with thick cane syrup, is another favorite.) This gravy calls for just flour, sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and salt—ingredients you likely already have in the cupboard. You wait until the very end to drop in the butter, ensuring a buttery, smooth finish. This gravy is definitely not for the health-conscious, but we don’t think about such things during a bonafide Southern breakfast. Make a batch of this chocolate gravy for a weekend brunch, and we guarantee that your guests will rave.
How to Make It
Step 1
Sift the cocoa, sugar, flour, and salt into a large skillet, preferably a cast iron skillet. Add the milk in a slow, steady stream, whisking until smooth.
Step 2
Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon, until the gravy thickens to the consistency of thin pudding, about 8 minutes. The gravy will thicken around the edge first, so make sure to keep it stirred up from the bottom and sides.
Step 3
Remove the skillet from the heat and drop in the butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Serve the warm gravy with the biscuits.
