Spiced Hot Chocolate

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            FOOD FUNNY
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Thanks to Stacie Wheeler for this slightly naughty food funny:

An elderly doctor and a minister were seated next to each other
on the plane. The plane was delayed at the start due to some
technical problems. Just after taking off, the pilot offered his
apologies to the passengers and announced that a round of free
drinks would be served.

When the charming hostess came round with the trolley, the
doctor ordered a gin and tonic for himself. The hostess then
asked the minister whether he wanted anything. He replied,
"Oh, no thank you. I would rather commit adultery than drink
alcohol."

The elderly doctor promptly handed back his gin and tonic to
the hostess said, "I didn't know there was a choice."

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            TODAY'S RECIPE
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The addition of spices to the basic hot chocolate is reminiscent
of how the Aztecs enjoyed their favorite beverage.

Spiced Hot Chocolate

1 cup (250 ml) milk
1/2 cup (125 ml) heavy cream
A 3-inch (8 cm) piece of orange zest
A 3-inch (8 cm) piece of vanilla bean, split lengthwise
and seeds scraped out
1 tsp (5 ml) chopped fresh ginger
1 tsp (5 ml) anise seeds
A pinch of salt
2 oz (56 g) dark chocolate, finely chopped

Combine all the ingredients except the chocolate in a small pot
and bring to a boil over moderate heat. Reduce the heat and
simmer covered for 10 minutes. Strain the milk mixture, discarding
the solids. Place the chocolate in a mixing bowl and pour the milk
mixture over it. Whisk until the chocolate is melted and completely
dissolved. Serves 2.
Received on Thu May 11 09:35:23 2006