Brandied Hot Chocolate
By: Carrie Barr
Published: Thursday, December 10, 2009 - 3:43pm

Ingredients




2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup water
10 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), finely chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons brandy, or to taste

Preparation

1 Whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons milk. 2 Bring water to a boil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan, then reduce heat to moderately low and add chopped chocolate and a pinch of salt, whisking until smooth. 3 Add cream and remaining milk (1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons) and increase heat to moderate, then cook, whisking occasionally, until mixture is smooth and heated through. Taste; for a deeper chocolate flavor, whisk in cocoa. 4 Whisk cornstarch mixture, then add half to chocolate mixture and simmer, whisking, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Add brandy (if using) and remaining cornstarch mixture to thicken if desired, then simmer, whisking, 1 minute.

About


Adapted from a recipe found on gourmet.com. You can leave out the brandy if you like.