Russian Hot Chocolate

Directions

1. 1
   Make the Orange Creme Fraiche: Combine all the ingredients in a chilled bowl and whisk until soft peaks form.
2. 2
   Chill until ready to serve.
3. 3
   Make the Pudding: In a bowl whisk together the sugar and cornstarch to blend.
4. 4
   Whisk in the cream, milk, and vanilla bean.
5. 5
   Pour mixture into a stainless steel saucepan and bring it to a boil, whisking, until thickened, about 4 minutes.
6. 6
   Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the chocolate and butter until melted.
7. 7
   Fish out the vanilla bean and rinse it.
8. 8
   Wrap the vanilla bean in plastic wrap and refrigerate for another use.
9. 9
   Pour the hot chocolate into warmed demitasse cups and serve immediately with dollops of the orange creme fraiche served on the side on demitasse spoons.