Grand Marnier Hot Chocolate

For a cold winter's evening by the fire. From Gourmet.

• Ready In: 7 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1  cup half-and-half
• 2  cups milk
• 1⁄2 cup  strained  fresh orange juice
• 2  slices orange zest, removed with a vegetable peeler (3-inch)
• 6  ounces  fine-quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine
•  grated chocolate (to garnish) (optional)
• 1⁄3 cup Grand Marnier, to taste
•  whipped heavy cream, if desired (to garnish)

Directions

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.
3. Simmer the hot chocolate, whisking, for 2 minutes, discard the zest, and stir in the Grand Marnier.
4. (For frothy hot chocolate, in a blender blend the hot chocolate in batches.) Divide the hot chocolate among heated mugs and garnish each drink with some of the whipped cream and grated chocolate.