Grand Marnier Hot Chocolate - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 cup half-and-half
2 cups milk
1/2 cup strained fresh orange juice
2 slices orange zest, removed with a vegetable peeler (3-inch)
6 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine
grated chocolate (to garnish) (optional)
1/3 cup Grand Marnier, to taste
whipped heavy cream, if desired (to garnish)

Preparation

In a large saucepan, stir together the half-and-half, the milk, the orange juice, the zest, and a pinch of salt and bring the mixture just to a boil over moderate heat.
In a small heatproof bowl, whisk together the chopped chocolate and about 2/3 cup of the hot milk mixture until the mixture is smooth and whisk the chocolate mixture into the remaining milk mixture.
Simmer the hot chocolate, whisking, for 2 minutes, discard the zest, and stir in the Grand Marnier.
(For frothy hot chocolate, in a blender blend the hot chocolate in batches.) Divide the hot chocolate among heated mugs and garnish each drink with some of the whipped cream and grated chocolate.