hot chocolate

it smelled of fall as i stepped outside last night. it reminded me of the mountain. we went to louellens, however you spell that darn place, and sat outside freezing our cans off. i drank hot cocoa. bliss.

Here is the Barefoot Contessa's recipe for Whipped Hot Chocolate:

2 1/2 cups whole milk
2 cups half-and-half
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
4 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon instant espresso or coffee powder
4 to 5 vanilla beans or cinnamon sticks, for garnish

Heat the milk and half-and-half in a saucepan on medium heat to just below the simmering point. Remove the pan from the heat and add both chocolates. When the chocolates are melted, add the sugar, vanilla extract, and espresso and whisk vigorously. Reheat gently and serve immediately. Use a vanilla bean or cinnamon stick to garnish each serving.