Family history has always been important to us at Perry’s Ice Cream, and as a 4th generation family business, we sure have a lot of it! To celebrate our 102nd anniversary, we are honoring a 2nd generation Perry, Betty Perry Meyer, by looking back on her life and sharing her famous hot fudge recipe!
Betty, the daughter of Perry’s Ice Cream’s founder H. Morton Perry and his wife Mabel, was born in Akron, NY on April 15, 1927. She was one of four children, and sister to Marlo, Donna and Gerald. Upon graduating high school, Betty left Akron to attend Michigan State University where she later graduated with a BS in Home Economics. Betty was a teacher for 3 years before devoting her life to raising her beautiful family on Christmas Lake in Excelsior, MN.
Over the years, Betty was known for her zest for life, boundless energy, adoration of her family and friends, love of travel, and as being a bit of a social butterfly. She lived a full life and traveled the world into her nineties seeing over 30 counties. Like her father, Betty was also an entrepreneur, starting two original art and furnishing retail businesses in her lifetime.
Always an active member of her community and social circles, Betty left an impression on everyone she met. She had a wide network of lifelong friends and family with whom she never lost touch.
“Ever proud of her Perry’s Ice Cream heritage, she believed a bowl of ice cream was the perfect ending to any day.” – Betty’s daughter, Gaye, wrote in remembering her life. Betty passed away at the age of 93 last month, but has left a remarkable legacy and impact on everyone’s life she touched.
“Aunt Betty certainly loved her ice cream and her family. Though she resided in Arizona, she visited WNY friends and family at least once a year. On several visits she worked with the 4th generation on chronicling the family business history, sharing her Perry’s story in celebration of its 100th anniversary, and ALWAYS sampling flavors! We all enjoyed her visits very much.” – Gayle Perry Denning, 4th generation.
Coming from a family of ice cream makers, it’s no surprise Betty concocted the most delicious hot fudge recipe. As we remember Betty and her love for life and all things Perry’s Ice Cream, we’re sharing her iconic recipe in her honor. We hope that everyone can channel their inner “Aunt Betty,” if only for a few moments until your bowl of Perry’s is licked clean.
Aunt Betty’s Hot Fudge Recipe:
- 2 oz. Unsweetened chocolate
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/3 cup boiling water
- 1 cup sugar
- Dash of salt
- 2 tbsp corn syrup
Melt the butter and chocolate together over low heat. Stir in boiling water, sugar, salt, and corn syrup until smooth. Bring to a boil until thickened. Serve and enjoy!
Watch Betty and Gayle Perry Denning make this recipe on our Instagram!
Contributors: Gabe Buck, Gayle Denning & Gaye Reynolds-Gooch