Dark Chocolate Hot Chocolate (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 2 cups milk
02 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
03 - 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 1–2 teaspoons sugar, to taste
05 - ¾ cup dark chocolate, 50% cocoa, chopped
06 - Whipped cream for topping

# Instructions:

01 - In a medium saucepan over low-medium heat, add 2 cups of milk and, if desired, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Slowly warm the milk for about 3–5 minutes until it steams gently but does not simmer.
02 - Whisk in 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, stirring until fully dissolved.
03 - Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of sugar, adjusting to taste.
04 - Add ¾ cup chopped dark chocolate. Raise the heat to medium and whisk for 5–10 minutes until the chocolate melts and the hot chocolate thickens.
05 - Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream, and enjoy!