Houstonist Cooks: Hot Chocolate

Houstonist suggested a nice thermos of cocoa, or hot chocolate (we've now earwormed ourselves with the hit by the band with the tasty name - "You Sexy Thing"), to accompany some of the weekends festivities and goings on. So, we decided to share a recipe that does not involve microwaving water and dumping in some powdered stuff (heaven forbid the one with the freeze-dried marshmallows... when it comes to cocoa or hot chocolate, "go big, or go home"). So, here you go, Houston - it's not that difficult and it really is that much better!

Orange-Scented Hot Chocolate (or Cocoa, or Belly-Warming Chocolate-Love)

2 cups milk (we love whole, organic)
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate (or semisweet, or one tablet of Abuelita's) chopped
2 strips of orange peel (2 inches by 1 inch) orange bits only, no pith (it's bitter) - omit for plain
1/2 teaspoon instant espresso or coffee
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (if desired) - omit for plain
1/8 teaspoon or less cayenne powder (if desired) - omit for plain (we know it sounds rather odd, but, it's a very nice kick)

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the chocolate melts, increase heat and bring mixture almost to a boil, stirring like crazy. Remove from heat and whisk, furiously. Repeat, remove orange peel, pour into mugs/thermos and enjoy.

Variations: omit orange peel, add 1/2 -1 shot of Cointreau or Peppermint Schnapp's to the final product (after all, if you cook the alcohol, the alcohol part cooks out). We don't recommend marshmallows in the orange version, but, plain or with mint, load up the mug. You can also make this without the orange and add cinnamon and nutmeg, or just go spice-less.