Hot Chocolate Dream

This hot cocoa is flavored with coffee and Irish cream liqueur. Top with a coffee liqueur whipped cream.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup warm half-and-half or light cream
• 1 1/2 cups of fresh brewed strong coffee
• 1/2 to 1 cup Irish Cream liqueur
• Coffee Whipped Cream (recipe follows)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2-3 Tablespoons coffee-flavored liqueur

Directions:

Melt butter, sugar, cocoa powder and salt together in saucepan on a low heat. Be careful not to burn the chocolate! Add the boiling water and heat for a few minutes. Whisk while you add the water to prevent clumps from forming. Add milk, cream and coffee and simmer mixture. Once hot, remove and add the Irish Cream liqueur. This makes around 4 servings, but I double the recipe and keep it in a crock-pot on low so it stays warm! Top with coffee whipped cream. Coffee Whipped Cream Make sure your cream, mixer bowl and whisk are VERY cold. I usually put them in the freezer for 5 minutes before I start. Start beating the cream and when bubbles start to form, add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat on high until stiff peaks form. Fold in the coffee liqueur with a spatula being careful not to over-stir.

Number of Servings: 4

Notes from the Cook: A great treat for an autumn or winter gathering!