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Christmas Morning Chocolately Café Au Lait

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Serves 8-10 » Adapted from Epicurious.com

A little more work than your traditional morning coffee, but hey, it's Christmas. Maybe don't give it to the kids though, Christmas is enough excitement.

Ingredients:
    1 ½ cups whole milk
    2/3 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar
    ½ cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
    2 (2-inch) cinnamon sticks
    1 strip orange peel, about ½ inch by 3 inches
    10 whole cloves
    2 to 2 ½ cups hot brewed strong Brennan's coffee
    ¼ cup cold heavy cream
    Ground cinnamon for garnish
    Cocoa, for garnish


Preparation:

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, 2/3 cup of sugar, and the cocoa until smooth. Add the cinnamon sticks, orange peel and cloves and bring to a simmer, stirring, to dissolve the sugar and prevent the cocoa from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover and let steep for 10 minutes.

In medium bowl, whip the cream with the remaining 1 teaspoon of sugar until thick and frothy, and peaks form. Set aside.
Strain the milk mixture into a coffee pot or carafe and add 2 cups of the hot coffee (2 ½ cups for stronger coffee flavor, to taste). Pour into cups or small mugs and top each with a dollop of the sweetened whip cream. Serve immediately.