The Very Best Hot Chocolate - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 cups milk, divided
1 cup 35% cream, divided
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preparation

In a saucepan, heat 2 1/2 cups milk and 3/4 cup of the whipping cream over medium heat, stirring often until steaming.
Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together sugar, cocoa and salt.
Whisk in remaining cold milk and vanilla to make a smooth paste.
Reduce heat to medium low and gradually whisk cocoa mixture into hot milk mixture until blended. Heat for about two minutes or until steaming hot.
In a small chilled bowl, using electric mixrer or whisk, whip remaining whipping cream until thick.
Ladle hot chocolate into four warmed mugs and evenly dollop whipped cream evenly into each mug. Stir toswirl lightly.
Serve immediately.
Note: if desired add 1 teaspoon coffee or chocolate flavoured liquer and 1/2 cup strong coffee to each mug of hot chocolate before adding the whipped cream. This is purely optional.