French Hot Chocolate

Makes 8 servings

2 to 3 1-oz. sqs. unsweetened baking chocolate

1/2 c. water

3/4 c. sugar

1/8 t. salt

1/2 c. whipping cream, whipped

6 c. hot milk

Melt chocolate in a double boiler over medium heat. Add water; stir constantly for 4 minutes. Add sugar and salt; cook 4 minutes longer, stirring constantly. Cool mixture; fold in whipped cream. To serve, place a heaping tablespoon of chocolate mixture into each serving cup and pour about one cup hot milk on top, or until cup is almost filled. Stir lightly to blend.

Warm up a chilly morning with a mug of chocolatey cocoa. Make it extra special by topping it off with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. Beat together 1/2 pint whipping cream with one tablespoon sugar and one teaspoon vanilla until soft peaks form.