Brandied Hot Chocolate Food

A SPIRITFUL HOT CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• Microwave milk in a microwave-safe cup until hot, about 1 1/2 minutes; stir in hot chocolate mix. Stir brandy into hot chocolate and top with marshmallow ghost.

BRANDIED HOT CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• Whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons milk.
• Bring water to a boil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan, then reduce heat to moderately low and add chopped chocolate and a pinch of salt, whisking until smooth.
• Add cream and remaining milk (1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons) and increase heat to moderate, then cook, whisking occasionally, until mixture is smooth and heated through. Taste; for a deeper chocolate flavor, whisk in cocoa.
• Whisk cornstarch mixture, then add half to chocolate mixture and simmer, whisking, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Add brandy (if using) and remaining cornstarch mixture to thicken if desired, then simmer, whisking, 1 minute.

APRèS-SKI HOLIDAY HOT CHOCOLATE WITH BRANDY AND CREAM

Steps:

• Gently boil the milk in a large heavy based saucepan, remove as boiling point is reached.
• Place chocolate in a small pan and add 2 tablespoons of the milk. Stir over a low heat until melted, then add the melted chocolate mixture into the remaining milk, stirring well.
• Add the sugar, cinnamon and brandy. Adjust to taste at this point.
• Serve the brandy hot chocolate in tall heatproof glasses or mugs, top with a dollop of whipped cream lightly dusted with cocoa powder or cinnamon.
• Serve with a cinnamon stick for a "stirrer"!
• Salut!

BRANDIED CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRIES

Steps:

• Pour brandy over drained cherries; let set for two days.
• Combine butter, corn syrup and salt; blend until smooth.
• Add confectioners' sugar and mix well.
• Knead until smooth and shiny; wrap in wax paper and chill for 30 minutes.
• Drain cherries well on paper towels; pat dry.
• Shape a marble-size piece of fondant around each cherry and place on wax paper-lined tray. Chill until firm, about 2 hours.
• Melt chocolate over hot water, stirring constantly.
• Dip cherries quickly and place on wax paper-lined tray.
• Place in refrigerator to set.
• Store in covered container in a cool, dark place for 10 to 14 days to fully ripen allow the fondant to liquify inside.

ORANGE BRANDY HOT CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• Into a cup of steaming hot chocolate, stir in the orange brandy and orange bitters if using. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, then eat a few spoonfuls of whipped cream if no one is looking. Zest some orange over the whipped cream for aroma and prettiness and to impress your dinner guests with very little effort.