Hard Sauce

A recent discussion about Cool Whip brought up the fact that our family eats Hard Sauce with our Pumpkin Pie. No, it's not healthier. Although I would argue that fact since it is made with only 3 ingredients, all of which are very common. Not sure the same can be said about Cool Whip! It originated from my Mum, whose very British family enjoyed Plum Pudding & Hard Sauce. She used to make it with Brandy, but we have long since done away with the 'hard' part of the sauce. In fact, growing up I thought it was called Hard Sauce because it actually is physically hard! I don't really have a recipe to follow - we soften a stick of butter and add several cups of confectioner's sugar until you get the right taste & consistency...not too buttery...not too sugary. And then you add about a teaspoon of vanilla. The real stuff - not imitation. Spoon it into a bowl and place in the fridge to harden. Serve with pumpkin pie, minced meat pie or whatever delicious pie your family enjoys!