Grasshopper Hot Chocolate

Description: My two favorite flavors come together to create a special warm beverage to delight your taste buds -- Chocolate and Mint! From the January, 1992 edition of Gourmet Magazine.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup half-and-half, scalded
• 2 1/2 cups milk, scalded
• 1/3 cup creme de menthe (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons Creme de Cacao (to taste)
• whipped cream
• shaved bittersweet chocolate

Steps:

1. In a heavy saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, water, vanilla, and a pinch of salt: heat the mixture over low heat, whisking, until the cocoa powder is dissolved and the mixture is a smooth paste.
2. Gradually add the half-and-half and the milk, (both scalded), and simmer hot chocolate, whisking, for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in the crème de menthe and the crème de cacao.
4. Note: (For a frothy result, in a blender blend the hot chocolate in batches.)
5. Divide the chocolate among mugs and top it with the whipped cream and the chocolate.