I just found the recipe for this drink today, so I have yet to try it, but I thought it looked good and it sort of takes traditional Irish coffee to the next level with some Grand Marnier in place of whiskey. It looks like a lovely after-dinner drink and is a perfect one to make for St. Patrick's Day! Have a cup of this with some scones or soda bread and may the luck of the Irish be with you.
Leprechaun's Delight
(Serves 1)
1 cup hot brewed coffee
1 fluid ounce brandy-based orange liqueur (Grand Marnier®)
1 fluid ounce Irish cream liqueur
1 tablespoon whipped cream
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
Pour hot coffee into a mug. Stir in Grand Marnier and Irish cream. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, and sprinkle with grated orange rind.
There's a famous NYC restaurant called "Serendipity 3", featured in the movie, "Serendipity" (go figure) and the place is known for it's extravagant desserts. I've never been there myself, but I'd heard about there $1,000 dessert made with real gold shavings...which I believe was part of a recent 30 Rock episode. That said, this recipe is one of Serendipity's most ordered...probably because it's a heck of a lot cheaper than most other items on the menu. AND it's easily replicated in the home kitchen. I figured it would be a good one for warmer weather. All the richness of hot chocolate, but in smoothie form.
Serendipity's Frozen Hot Chocolate
(makes 1 huge serving)
6 half-ounce pieces of a variety of your favorite chocolates
2 teaspoons store-bought hot chocolate mix
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 cups milk
3 cups ice
Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings
Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place it in the top of a double boiler over simmering water, stirring occasionally until melted. Add the cocoa and sugar, stirring constantly until thoroughly blended. Remove from heat and slowly add 1/2 cup 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 daiquiri. Pour into a giant goblet and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Enjoy with a spoon or a straw. . . .or both!