So Good, It'll Make You Slap Yo' Momma Kahlua

This started as a recipe from friends, using instant coffee. They insisted that the quality of the final product is not affected by the quality of the vodka used. After switching to fresh coffee and "perfecting" the process, I learned that kahlua is a rum based liqueur. I have yet to make a batch with rum. **Update... September 13, 2006 -- I have made a batch with rum, and find it even smoother than making it with vodka.

• Ready In: 3 hrs
• Serves: 33
• Yields: 2 quarts

Ingredients

• 6  cups coffee (48 oz total)
• 4 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 1⁄8 cup  milk chocolate chips
• 1⁄8 cup real vanilla extract (accept no substitute)
• 750  ml  of cheapest 80 proof vodka (one "fifth") or 750  ml rum (one "fifth")

Directions

1. Mix coffee, sugar and chocolate in a saucepan. Over medium high heat, bring mix to a boil, making sure to dissolve all of the sugar into the liquid.
2. Then reduce to medium low or low heat… simmer, just below a boil.
3. Periodically raise heat long enough for the mix to boil, then reduce heat. Stir frequently, making sure to loosen all sediment, especially in the "corners" of your pan. I start at thirty minutes and let the intervals between stirring become shorter as the cooking process lengthens. Towards the end, remember that a watched pot never boils over, and with as much sugar as this mix has, that's a good thing.
4. Reduce liquid level until bubbles do not want to break when raised to a boil. Droplets falling off spoon should be like thick syrup. The mix should be reduced by approximately 50% from its original level in your pan.
5. Remove from heat.
6. About a half hour later and before liquid cools completely, add vanilla to mix.
7. After liquid has cooled, roughly another half hour later, add vodka and mix to an even consistency. I have found that a whisk works best.
8. You should yield about 1½ liters, just short of filling a ½-gallon liquor bottle.