Recipe: Grownup Hot Chocolate (using Amaretto, with variations)

GROWNUP HOT CHOCOLATE

4 ounces Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips
1 cup half-and-half
1 tablespoon Amaretto (almond liqueur)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whipped cream (for serving)
Unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, for garnish)

In saucepan over low heat, bring chocolate and half-and-half to simmer, whisking constantly. Simmer 1 minute or until mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat; whisk in liqueur and vanilla.

Pour into four 1/2-cup demitasse or coffee cups. Top each serving with 2 tablespoons whipped cream; dust with unsweetened cocoa powder (if desired). Serve immediately.

VARIATION:
Instead of Amaretto, use 1 tablespoon hazelnut, coffee or orange liqueur or peppermint schnapps, or 1/2 teaspoon almond or peppermint extract.

Makes 4 servings
Source: Ghirardelli