Liquid Cinnamon Chocolate with Brown Sugar Espresso Cream

Not too sweet chantilly-esque whipped cream tops this warm chocolate soup. Delicious!

Liquid Cinnamon Chocolate with Brown Sugar Espresso Cream
Cinnamon and espresso enhance the flavor of chocolate in this warm, luscious soup.
Serves 4

2 c milk
2 c light cream
2 3- to 4-inch cinnamon sticks, broken in half
4 T instant espresso powder
6 T dark brown sugar, packed
1⁄2 c unsweetened cocoa powder
1 c chopped milk chocolate
nutmeg and additional cinnamon sticks, for garnish

Simmer milk, cream, and cinnamon sticks in a medium saucepan over low heat until bubbles form around the edges of the pan.
Whisk in the espresso powder, brown sugar, and cocoa. Add the milk chocolate and whisk until it melts and the soup is smooth. Discard the cinnamon sticks.
Ladle into four heat-proof bowls. Top with Brown Sugar Espresso Cream and sprinkle with nutmeg. Garnish with additional cinnamon sticks, if desired.

Brown Sugar Espresso Cream
Yield: about 1 cup

1⁄2 c heavy cream, chilled
4 t light brown sugar, packed
2 t instant espresso powder
1⁄2 t pure vanilla extract

Whisk the cream in a medium bowl until soft peaks form. Sprinkle in the brown sugar, espresso powder, and vanilla. Whisk until stiff. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Savor, Linger, Enjoy!