I’m not going to say that this is the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had, though it does come close.  But it’s definitely the best hot chocolate I’ve ever made.  By far.  The sweetness is balanced perfectly by the vanilla and the salt.  And using real chocolate instead of just cocoa powder makes it gloriously thick.  Be sure to use good chocolate for the powder and the chips; this is not the time for store-brand chocolate!

Yield: 2 servings; Prep Time: 3 minutes; Cook Time: 5 minutes

• 2 cups skim milk
• 1 Tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 4 Tbsp semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

1. Bring milk to a simmer in a small saucepan over low heat.  Keep a watchful eye on the heat, you never want the milk to go above a simmer.
2. Whisk remaining ingredients into milk.  Cook 1 -2 minutes until well-combined, whisking constantly.