PEPPERMINT HOT CHOCOLATE (for four)

1-1/2 cups heavy cream

1-1/2 cups milk

¼ cup sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

3 drops peppermint oil

sweetened whipped cream, for garnish

chocolate shavings, for garnish

candy canes or peppermint sticks, plus crushed peppermint, for garnish

1. In a saucepan, combine the cream, milk, sugar and salt and heat over medium low heat. When the cream mixture just begins to steam, add the chopped chocolate and stir until melted. Stir in the peppermint oil. Divide the hot chocolate among mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

adapted from Jackie Riley, the Food Network