Tips:A quick-to-fix dessert drink that contains alcohol, so it's not for the kids. You'll need a powerful blender to make this, which must be served immediately after mixing. Use a good-quality, plain chocolate ice cream--Ben & Jerry's or Haagen-Dazs would be fine. Pretty with a whipped cream garnish.

• 2 Tbsp. brandy
• 2 Tbsp. brown creme de cacao
• 2 Tbsp. good-quality chocolate syrup (I use Hershey's)
• About 1 c. (half of a one pint carton) good-quality chocolate ice cream
• Optional garnish: Lightly sweetened whipped cream

In blender container, combine brandy, creme de cacao, and chocolate syrup. Cover; blend at medium speed until well-mixed. Soften the ice cream: remove lid and plastic liner (if any) from a one pint carton. Microwave at 50% (medium) power for 10-20 seconds, depending upon your microwave, just until softened (you don't want the ice cream to melt). Using a large spoon, trace a line in the top of the softened ice cream to divide the ice cream into equal halves, then scoop out all the ice cream in one half and add it to the blender container in large chunks. Work quickly!

Cover; blend at high speed just until smooth. Pour into wine or other glasses. If desired, garnish with lightly sweetened whipped cream. Serve immediately!

About 1-1/3 cups (2 to 3 servings)

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