Brandied Hot Chocolate

Photo: flickr user gill wildman

Ingredients

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup water

10 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), finely chopped

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tablespoons brandy, or to taste

Preparation

Whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons milk.

Bring water to a boil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan, then reduce heat to moderately low and add chopped chocolate and a pinch of salt, whisking until smooth.

Add cream and remaining milk (1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons) and increase heat to moderate, then cook, whisking occasionally, until mixture is smooth and heated through. Taste; for a deeper chocolate flavor, whisk in cocoa.

Whisk cornstarch mixture, then add half to chocolate mixture and simmer, whisking, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Add brandy (if using) and remaining cornstarch mixture to thicken if desired, then simmer, whisking, 1 minute.