Serve this hot creamy chocolate beverage on a cool, crisp Halloween night.
| 1 |
|
cup real semi-sweet chocolate chips |
| 1/2 |
|
cup sugar |
| 1/2 |
|
cup water |
| 1/8 |
|
teaspoon salt |
| 5 1/2 |
|
cups milk |
| 2 |
|
cups (1 pint) LAND O LAKES® Half & Half |
| 2 |
|
teaspoons vanilla |
|
|
Sweetened whipped cream |
|
|
Grated chocolate, if desired |
|
|
Freshly grated lemon zest, if desired |
|
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Freshly grated orange zest, if desired |
|
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Ground cinnamon, if desired |
|
|
Ground nutmeg, if desired |
Melt chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly, in 3 quart saucepan. Stir in sugar, water and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with wire whisk, until mixture comes to a full boil (4 to 5 minutes). Boil, stirring constantly, 2 minutes. Stir in milk and half & half.
Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through (12 to 15 minutes). (DO NOT BOIL.) Add vanilla. Beat with wire whisk until frothy.
To serve, pour into mugs; top each serving with dollop of sweetened whipped cream. If desired, garnish with the following toppings: grated chocolate, grated lemon zest, grated orange zest, cinnamon or nutmeg.
Microwave Directions:
Combine chocolate chips, sugar, water and salt in microwave-safe -quart bowl. Microwave on HIGH (100% power), stirring every minute, until chocolate chips are melted and mixture comes to a full boil (3 to 4 minutes). Microwave on HIGH (100% power) 2 minutes. Stir in milk and 2 cups half & half. Microwave on HIGH (100% power), stirring after half the time, until heated through (8 to 10 minutes). (DO NOT BOIL.) Add vanilla. Beat with wire whisk until frothy. Serve as directed above.
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