Decadent Hot Chocolate

Forget the hot chocolate mixes!  This is the real deal!!  Hot chocolate made with milk and fine chocolate is the best.  It's easy to make, but good quality ingredients are the key to it's decadence.

Yield:  Makes 4-5 servings

4 cups whole milk
8 ounces good quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons vanilla infused sugar
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)

Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat to just below the simmering point.  Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped chocolate.  When chocolate is melted add the sugar and espresso powder (if using).  Whisk vigorously.  Reheat gently and serve immediately with a dollop of whipped cream and grated chocolate.

NOTE:  If you don't make the vanilla infused sugar, substitute with 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.

VANILLA INFUSED SUGAR
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
1 vanilla bean, split and cut in half
Put the split vanilla bean into the sugar, cover. The vanilla will leave the sugar with a wonderful taste (and aroma) of vanilla.  The sugar keeps indefinitely.