Hot Chocolate!

I don't know about where you live, but here it's cold outside. This is a recipe I found on the internet for the best rich creamy hot chocolate I've ever tasted. We're not talking Nestles Quick here. Lots of ingredients and lots of time, but it's worth it.

1/2 cup semi-sweet real chocolate chips
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
pinch of salt
5 1/2 cups milk
2 cups whipping cream
2 teaspoons vanilla

optional: liqueurs, sweetened whipped cream, grated chocolate,
grated lemon peel, grated orange peel, cinnamon, nutmeg

In a 3 quart saucepan melt chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly
Stir in sugar, water and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wire whisk, until the mixture comes to a full boil (4 to 5 min.)
Boil, stirring constantly, 2 min.
Stir in milk and whipping cream.
Continue cooking over med. heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through (12 to 15 min.) DO NOT BOIL
Add vanilla. Beat with wire whisk or rotary beater until frothy.
Pour into mugs. If desired, add 1 to 2 tbsp liqueur into each serving.
Top each serving with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream.
If desired, garnish with any of the above suggested garnishes.