Peppermint Hot Cocoa

• 4 cups whole or low-fat milk
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons crushed peppermint sticks, plus more for serving
• Pinch kosher salt
• Unsweetened whipped cream, for serving
• Peppermint sticks, for serving

1. Heat the milk and vanilla in a medium saucepan over medium heat until hot and steaming.
2. Combine the sugar, cocoa powder, chocolate, crushed peppermint and salt in a bowl, then whisk into the milk.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring, until the chocolate and peppermint melts and the cocoa thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
4. Divide among 4 mugs, top with dollops of whipped cream.
5. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint and serve each with a peppermint stick.

milk, vanilla, sugar, cocoa, bittersweet chocolate, peppermint sticks, kosher salt, cream

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/peppermint-hot-cocoa.html (may not work)