Bittersweet Hot Chocolate Recipes

Steps:

• 1. In a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker, combine half-and-half, milk, and cinnamon sticks. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours or on high-heat setting for 2-1/2 to 3 hours.
• 2. Remove and discard cinnamon sticks. If necessary, skim "skin" from surface; discard. Stir in chocolate pieces; whisk until chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla. Serve immediately or keep warm, covered, on warm setting or low-heat setting for up to 2 hours. If desired, float marshmallows on top of individual servings. Makes 12 (3/4-cup) servings.

Steps:

• In a 4-quart Dutch oven combine the chocolates, half-and-half or light cream, and sugar.
• Bring to boiling; reduce heat.
• Simmer mixture, uncovered, over low heat about 2 minutes or until mixture is creamy, stirring frequently.
• Remove from heat; stir in the vanilla.
• Pour the hot sauce into 7 or 8 hot, clean half-pint jars or 16 (4-ounce) jars, leaving a 1/2-inch headspace.
• Place metal lids on jars.
• Screw metal bands onto jars following manufacturer's directions.
• Store chocolate sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
• (The sauce must be stored in the refrigerator after placing in jars. Even though the hot sauce may cause the lids on the jars to seal, this is not a secure canning seal. Do not store at room temperature.) Serve sauce warm* over ice cream, eclairs, or fresh berries.
• Makes eight 1/2-pint or sixteen 1/2-cup jars (128, 1-tablespoon servings)*Note: To reheat, place 1/2 cup sauce in a 1-cup glass measure.
• Microwave, uncovered, on 100% power (high) for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or until heated through, stirring once.
• Or, place in a small saucepan.
• Cook and stir over medium heat about 5 minutes or until heated through.