Necessity and Luxury

Luxury is a cup of peppermint hot chocolate made with half-and-half. Necessity is adequate heating in Pierson's music room (the high school band is practicing for their winter concert today in a space that's probably about 55 degrees!). If you agree, you can vote tomorrow for a bond to pay for this improvement along with other necessities, including fire-rated doors, safety glass, and adequate exhaust fans at Pierson and the Elementary School.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Serves 2

1 cup milk
1 cup half and half
3 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract

1. Bring the milk and half-and-half just to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the chocolate and cocoa powder until smooth.
2. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract. Pour into two mugs and serve immediately.