IRISH COFFEE HOT CHOCOLATE (for two)

2 cups whole milk

½ cup strong brewed hot coffee

3 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped into small (1/4 inch) pieces

2 tablespoons Irish whiskey, more or less to taste

whipped cream, for garnish

1. In a small saucepan, bring the milk just to a boil over medium high heat. Put the coffee, chocolate and whiskey in a blender and pour in the hot milk. Let sit for 10 or 15 minutes so that the chocolate begins to melt. Cover securely, place a folded towel over the blender lid, and blend until completely mixed and frothy, about 30 seconds. (Alternatively, you can use a steamer to froth the milk. Add the chocolate, coffee and whiskey, stir until melted and well blended, then steam the mixture again for a few seconds more.)

2. Divide the chocolate between two mugs and garnish each with a dollop of whipped cream.

from Richard Donnelly, Food and Wine Magazine