Hot Fudge Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine the cream, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, and let simmer for about 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and add the chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate); whisk until they are completely melted. Add the sifted cocoa and whisk until no lumps remain.

Return the pan to low heat and simmer the sauce, whisking constantly, until it becomes glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste. Serve the sauce warm.