Hot Chocolate w/Vanilla Whipped Cream

By stancec44

Ingredients

• 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 5 c. milk
• 4 oz. bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 c. powdered sugar
• 2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 c. chilled whipping cream

Preparation

Step 1

Using small sharp knife, scrape seeds from vanilla bean into small bowl; reserve bean. Add 1/2 c. sugar to seeds; rub with fingertips to distribute seeds. Set aside.

Heat 4 1/2 c. milk and scraped vanilla bean in large saucepan over medium heat until hot. Mix in chopped chocolate and 1/3 c. vanilla sugar. Whisk until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Mix 1/2 c. milk, powdered sugar and cocoa in small bowl. Stir into hot chocolate. Bring just to simmer; whisking often. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Remove scrapped vanilla bean.

Using electric mixer, beat cream and remaining vanilla sugar in medium bowl to soft peaks. Divide hot chocolate among 6 mugs. Top each with whipped cream.