Loco for Cocoa

On a cold midwinter’s night, is there any cup more comforting than a cup full of hot chocolate? (I guess possibly a big mug of Southern Comfort, but that’s a topic for another post.) I’m not talking about that powdered junk that you mix with water—I’m talking rich, steaming, genuinely chocolate-y cocoa that makes your whole house smell delicious. And it’s easy! Seriously, once you’ve tried this recipe and tasted the fruits of your less-than-15-minute labor, you’ll be a convert.

Hot Chocolate
Makes 4 mugs-worth.

3 c. whole or 2% milk
1 c. half-and-half
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 c. plus 1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
whipped cream for topping (optional)

Pour milk and half-and-half into a small pot and add the cinnamon stick. Heat to a bare simmer over medium heat.

In a small bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, sugar, and cinnamon. A few teaspoons at a time, stir the hot milk into the cocoa mixture to make a smooth paste. Scrape the cocoa paste mixture into the saucepan with the milk and simmer 2 minutes, without boiling. Stir in the vanilla and remove from heat.

Pour into mugs and top with the cream you whipped up in your immersion blender (or the canned stuff).