Hot Chocolate

Creamy, soul-satisfying hot chocolate – a comforting, warm hug in a mug!

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine Dry Ingredients

   • In a medium saucepan (off the heat), whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined. This prevents lumps later on.
2. 2

   Create a Smooth Paste

   • Pour in about 1/2 cup of the whole milk. Whisk vigorously until you form a smooth, thick, and glossy chocolate paste. This is the key to a perfectly smooth hot chocolate.
3. 3

   Heat the Milk

   • Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Gradually pour in the remaining 3.5 cups of milk while whisking continuously.
   • Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming, until it is hot and steaming. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Do not allow it to come to a full boil.
4. 4

   Melt the Chocolate

   • Add the finely chopped semisweet chocolate to the hot milk.
   • Reduce the heat to low and stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and uniform, about 2-3 minutes.
5. 5

   Finish and Serve

   • Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Ladle the hot chocolate into four mugs.
   • Garnish with whipped cream or mini marshmallows if desired, and serve immediately.