Chocolate Soup

Directions

1. 1
   Bring the milk just to a simmer in a sloped-sided medium pot (so the pudding will not stick in the corners of the pot).
2. 2
   Ladle about 1/2 cup of the milk into a small bowl, and whisk in the flour to make a smooth paste.
3. 3
   Whisk the flour paste back into the hot milk until smooth.
4. 4
   Add the sugar, orange peel, butter, vanilla, and salt, and bring back to a simmer.
5. 5
   Pour the cocoa powder into a medium bowl.
6. 6
   While whisking, gradually pour about 1 cup of the hot milk into the cocoa.
7. 7
   Whisk until smooth, then whisk the cocoa and milk back into the pot.
8. 8
   Bring the soup to a simmer, whisking constantly, and making sure you get into the corners of the pot.
9. 9
   Let simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes.
10. 10
    Strain through a sieve into a clean pot.
11. 11
    Serve hot in bowls, with brioche or plain cookies for dipping.