Serves 8.

6 cuphalf-and-half
4 incinnamon stick
 grated zest of 1 orange
1⁄2 cuplight brown sugar
9 ozbest-quality bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
1⁄2 cupbrandy

Time: 15 minutes.

In a large saucepan, combine half-and-half, cinnamon, orange zest and brown sugar. Place over medium heat, and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, just until bubbles form around edges of pan. Turn off heat, and keep pan warm.

In a large double boiler over low heat, melt chocolate, and then strain half-and-half mixture into it. Whisk constantly until smooth and reheated. Remove from heat, and stir in the brandy. Serve hot.

(Recipe courtesy of Eleven Madison Park (adapted by The New York Times).)