Ingredients:
Serves four
- 1 quart whole milk (can combine with half-and-half for richer flavor)
- 8 ounces premium dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or sweetener of choice)
- 3/4 teaspoon real vanilla extract
- Add-ins: marshmallows, whipped cream, alcohol (e.g., Kahlua, Baileys Irish Cream, peppermint schnapps, bourbon, Irish whiskey)
Directions:
The adage “it’s worth the effort” is especially fitting when the subject is hot chocolate. Feel free to grab for the old standby—that envelope of instant cocoa—but once you try this recipe, we’ll wager you and Swiss Miss will be parting company post haste. This is true hot chocolate, mind you, not hot cocoa. First, heat 4 mugs with hot water. Then place milk in a saucepan with the sugar and heat, but don’t scald. Reduce heat, add chocolate, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, then stir until smooth. Divide into mugs, and finish with any add-ins you choose.
