Instructions: (The above ingredients make a 1 cup serving of hot chocolate.)

In a double boiler, combine milk chocolate, butter, and vanilla. Stir together until chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Then add half-and-half or cream.

Add the half-and-half slowly, incorporating it gradually as it heats. Do not boil. If you wish, serve over a handful of miniature marshmallows and garnish with a dash of nutmeg.

Variations:
Substitute dark (semi-sweet) chocolate or white chocolate (very elegant). Also try adding liqueurs: Kahl a to milk chocolate, Cointreau to dark chocolate, or peppermint schnapps to go with white chocolate.

NOTES : We got this recipe from the Frugal Gourmet. Its so good we have to pass it on It makes powdered hot chocolate taste pale and lifeless by comparison. Great on cold winter nights, sharing with those you love. As you can tell by reading the recipe, this is not the most healthful drink. But go on, indulge yourself once in awhile. If you like white chocolate, try it with that. I call it Nectar of the Gods. - Jamie

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