Better Than Packet Hot Cocoa

Servings: 4-5 mugs

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup unseated cocoa powder

• 4 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate, or 4 oz. bar of bakers chocolate

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Whipped Cream (Optional):

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 2 1/2 Tbsp. confectioners sugar

• dash of salt

• 1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

1. In a medium sized sauce pot, whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder until well combined.

2. Add in the milk and whisk constantly over medium heat on a stovetop.

3. If you're using a bar of bakers chocolate, go ahead and chop it up into small chunks before adding to the pot. If you're using chocolate chips, go ahead and add them right to the milk mixture on the stove top while continuing to whisk.

4. Add in the vanilla.

5. Continue to whisk until everything is melted and creamed together.

6. If you'd like to make whipped cream, place the cream and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fit with the whisk attachment. Whip the cream up for 2-5 minutes while adding in the salt and vanilla until it reaches a whipped cream consistency.

7. I used a star tip to pipe the whipped cream but this is totally optional.

8. Top with chocolate sauce, peppermint pieces, sprinkles, etc.

9. Enjoy!