Bicerin Chocolata or Chocolata Bicchiere

Whatever they call it, it is Great, and it is real CHOCOLATE. I remember being in Turin, Italy with Jasper Mirabile at the oldest coffee shop in the world having our bicerin. Turin (Torino) is the capital of Piedmonte, and where the winter Olympics were held. The coffee shop was founded in 1760. WOW!! There you will see people drinking this delightful concoction in a " little glass " which is what bicerin means.

I love chocolate. It is just about my favorite food. Jasper made fun of me long after we came home about my chocolate habit. Bicerin is a mixture of expresso coffee, hot chocolate and cream.

We made this last week for our friends at Casa Somerset. Jasper dropped by and the cooking began. Bicerin was the last item, but it sure ended it on a good note.

http://www.jasperskc.com/ He is the # 1 Chef in KC.

Chocolata Bicchiere

1 cup milk

1/2 c. heavy cream

1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 c. strong black coffee or espresso

1/2 c. flavored liqueur (coffee-flovored was used, but you can use almond, hazelnut, orange, or just chocolate liqueur)

1T dark rum or brandy

Whipped cream

Grated chocolate

In a saucepan, bring milk and cream to low boil, add chocolate chips to the milk. Simmer over medium heat, stirring, until all is melted and smooth. Add espresso. Add liqueur and rum and stir well.

If too thick, you can add a bit more milk if desired (I couldn't imagine why...)

Remove from heat and pour into espresso cups. Top with a spoonful of whipped cream and grated chocolate.

This is close to heaven.

Mike