5½ cups milk
1½ cups half-and-half
1½ cups chocolate syrup
7 plus 1 tablespoons (½ cup) maraschino cherry juice
1¾ cups whipping cream
1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
Maraschino cherries with stems (optional)
In a Dutch oven over medium-low heat, stirring often, heat the milk, half-and half, chocolate syrup, and 7 tablespoons of the cherry juice. With an electric mixer at medium speed beat the whipping cream until foamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and the remaining 1 tablespoon cherry juice. Continue beating until the cream forms soft peaks. Serve the cream with each cup of hot chocolate and top each serving with a cherry if desired.
YIELD: ABOUT 8 CUPS