Empress Frosting

INGREDIENTS: 1/3 c Half & half

1/2 c Butter, cut up

2 tb Sugar

1 1/2 c Ghirardelli Sweet Ground

-Chocolate 1 ts Vanilla

DIRECTIONS: In 2 quart heavy saucepan, heat half & half with butter and sugar, stirring until blended. Add Ground Chocolate, mixing with wire whip until smooth. Heat on medium low until mixture is thick and shiny and runs off the spoon like syrup and the first bubble appears on the surface (160-F). Do not boil or overcook frosting. Cool 5 minutes, then add vanilla. Place pan of frosting in bowl holding a tray of ice cubes and some water. Beat slowly with a spoon until frosting holds a shape. Frost cake; refrigerate if necessary to firm frosting. Source: Recipes from Ghirardelli Chocolate Company of San Francisco; recipe on box of "Sweet Ground Chocolate and Cocoa" From: Sallie Austin