Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

• 2 squares (2 ounces) unsweetened or semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped, or 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 4 cups milk
• Whipped cream or marshmallows (optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan combine unsweetened or semisweet chocolate, sugar, and 1/2 cup of the milk. Cook and stir over medium heat till mixture just comes to boiling. Stir in remaining milk; heat through. Do not boil.
2. Remove from heat. If desired, beat milk mixture with a rotary beater till frothy. Serve hot in cups or mugs. Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a few marshmallows, if desired.
3. Microwave directions: In an 8 cup measure or 1 1/4 quart casserole combine chocolate, sugar, and 1/4 cup milk. Micro-cook, uncovered, on 100%, power high (from) 2 1/2 to 3 minutes or till mixture just comes to boiling, stirring once. Stir in remaining milk. Cook on high for 6 to 8 minutes more or till heated through, stirring once. Serve with whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired.
4. Hot Mocha: Prepare as above, except stir 1 tablespoon instant coffee crystals into chocolate mixture before remaining milk.
5. Spiced Hot Chocolate: Prepare as above, except stir 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg into chocolate mixture with remaining milk.
6. Hot Cocoa: Prepare as above, except substitute 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for the chocolate.