Hot Chocolate (3 Ways)

Easy Single Serving Hot Chocolate Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat and whisk to combine. Continue to heat until the mixture is hot and the sugar and cocoa powder is dissolved.
2. Pour into a mug, top with marshmallows or whipped cream, garnish with grated chocolate and serve.

Italian Hot Chocolate Ingredients Directions:

1. Add the chocolate and a splash of the milk to a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the sugar and cocoa powder. Continue to heat, whisking often, until the chocolate is melted.
2. In a separate small bowl whisk together the cornstarch and another splash of milk until evenly combined. Set aside.
3. Once the chocolate is melted, slowly stream in the remaining milk, whisking constantly, until the chocolate and milk are evenly combined. Continue to heat until the milk is hot and then whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Heat the hot chocolate, whisking constantly, until it thickens.
4. Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream, garnish with cocoa powder and serve.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Directions:

1. Preheat your broiler. Place the cinnamon stick on a sheet tray and char just the top side of the cinnamon until blackened. Remove from the oven and set aside.
2. To a medium saucepan add the chocolate, sugar, vanilla bean seeds and pod, salt, toasted cinnamon stick and chile. Pour in the milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring often, until the milk is hot and steaming and the chocolate is melted. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes.
3. Remove the vanilla bean pod and cinnamon stick. Pour the mixture into a blender and blend on high until smooth. Pour the hot chocolate through a fine mesh strainer. Serve in a mug topped with whipped cream and grated chocolate.