Homemade Hot Chocolate

When it's this cold in Chicago and it's snowing, this is the perfect afternoon homemade, not out of the packet, treat.  It takes just minutes.  

The recipe is for 4 servings but I made it for 2 servings and have seconds for another day stored in the refrigerator.  All the ingredients I had on hand. I used 2% milk and topped it with ReddiWhip Extra Creamy Whipped Cream.  

Ingredients for 4 servings:

4 cups milk (preferably whole or 2%)

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

Place milk, cocoa powder and sugar in a small saucepan.  

Heat over medium/medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until warm (but not boiling).  

Add chocolate chips and whisk constantly until the chocolate chips melt and distribute evenly into the milk.  

Whisk in the vanilla extract and serve immediately with mini marshmallows or sweetened whipped cream.  

Smaller Servings:

2 servings:

     2 cups milk

     2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

     2 tablespoons granulated sugar

     1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

     1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

adapted from celebratingsweets.com