Spooky Great Hot Chocolate
Makes 8 (1-cup) servings

Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 18 min.

Ingredients

• Hot Chocolate Ingredients:
  • 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) half & half
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
• Toppings Ingredients
  • Heavy Whipping Cream, whipped, sweetened
  • Grated chocolate, if desired
  • Freshly grated lemon peel, if desired
  • Freshly grated orange peel, if desired
  • Ground cinnamon, if desired
  • Ground nutmeg, if desired

Directions

1. Melt chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly, in 3 quart saucepan.
2. Stir in sugar, water and salt.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with wire whisk, for 4 to 5 minutes or until mixture comes to a full boil.
4. Boil, stirring constantly, 2 minutes. Stir in milk and half & half.
5. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 12 to 15 minutes or until heated through. (DO NOT BOIL.)
6. Add vanilla and beat with wire whisk until frothy.
7. 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 peel, grated orange peel, cinnamon or nutmeg.

Microwave Directions: Combine chocolate chips, sugar, water and salt in microwave-safe -quart bowl. Microwave on HIGH, stirring every minute, for 3 to 4 minutes or until chocolate chips are melted and mixture comes to a full boil. Microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes. Stir in milk and 2 cups half & half. Microwave on HIGH, stirring after half the time, fo 8 to 10 minutes or until heated through. (DO NOT BOIL.) Add vanilla. Beat with wire whisk until frothy. Serve as directed above.