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Hot Chocolate

Source of Recipe

From "The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook" by Ina Garten


Recipe Introduction

"Who doesn't love hot chocolate on a cold winter day? This hot chocolate has wonderful depth of flavor from two kinds of chocolate, pure vanilla, and espresso. I sometimes even serve it for dessert with whipped cream, but it's good anytime, especially for Sunday breakfast. Ummm."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 2 ½ cups whole milk
â—¦ 2 cups half-and-half
â—¦ 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
â—¦ 4 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
â—¦ 1 tablespoon sugar
â—¦ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
â—¦ 1 teaspoon instant espresso or coffee powder
â—¦ 4 to 5 vanilla beans or cinnamon sticks


Recipe

Heat the milk and half-and-half in a saucepan on medium heat to just below the simmering point.

Remove the pan from the heat and add both chocolates. When the chocolates are melted, add the sugar, vanilla extract, and espresso and whisk vigorously.

Reheat gently and serve immediately.
Use a vanilla bean or cinnamon stick to garnish each serving.

Makes 5 cups;
serves 4 to 5