Grasshopper Hot Chocolate

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.

• Ready In: 5 mins
• Serves: 4-6

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)

• Garnish

•  whipped cream
•  shaved bittersweet chocolate

Directions

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.