Serendipity's Frozen Hot Chocolate

This recipe is a favorite recipe from Serendipity's in New York City.

6 (1/2 oz each) pieces of your favorite chocolate

2 tsp. store-bought hot chocolate mix

1 1/2 T. sugar

1 1/2 cups milk

3 cups ice

Whipped cream (recipe below)

chocolate shavings.

Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place it in the top of a double boiler over simmering water, stirring occassionally until melted. Add the hot chocolate mix and sugar, stirring constantly until thoroughly blended. Remove from heat and slowly add 1/2 c. of the milk and stir until smooth. Cool to room temperature.

In a blender, place the remaining cup of milk, the room temperature chocolate mixture, and the ice. Blend on high speed until smooth and the consistency of a frozen slushy. Pour into a giant goblet or glass and top with whipped cream and shavings. Makes one very large serving.

Whipped Cream: Combine 1 c. very cold heavy cream wtih 1 ts. vanilla extract and mix well. With an electric mixer, start whipping the cream on medium. Add 1 1/2 T corn syrup slowly while beating. Whip until the cream holds soft peaks.