Grand Marnier Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

• 1 cup Half-and-Half
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup strained fresh orange juice + 2 (3 inch) strips orange zest removed with a vegetable peeler
• 6 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine, plus, if desired, grated chocolate for garnish
• 1/3 cup Grand Marnier, or to taste
• Whipped heavy cream for garnish if desired

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, stir together the Half-and-Half, the milk, the orange juice, the zest and a pinch of salt and bring the mixture just to a boil over moderate heat.
2. In a small heatproof bowl, whisk together the chopped chocolate and about 2/3 cup of the hot milk mixture until the mixture is smooth and whisk the chocolate mixture into the remaining milk mixture. Simmer the hot chocolate, whisking, for 2 minutes, discard the zest, and stir in the Grand Marnier. (For frothy hot chocolate, in a blender blend the hot chocolate in batches.)
3. Divide the hot chocolate among heated mugs and garnish each drink with some of the whipped cream and grated chocolate.

Attribution

Gourmet magazine - November 1993