Candy Cane Cocoa

Ingredients:

1 cup milk
2 ounces chocolate (milk or dark, depending on your sweetness preference)
1 teaspoon powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
sprinkle of salt

Directions:

Grate the chocolate on a hand-held cheese grater, of finely chop it. It needs to be able to melt quickly. Heat the milk on the stove on a low setting, stirring often to check that it doesn't heat very quickly or burn. Add the other ingredients and stir until the chocolate is melted and until it is hot enough for you. Put a candy cane in it and a generous dallop of whipped cream. I love this recipe because it's smooth, not grainy like hot cocoas made with cocoa powder tend to be. And whatever flavor candy cane you use will add to the delicious flavor!

The above recipe makes one serving, but for your convenience I've listed the ingredients for 4 servings:

4 cups milk
8 ounces chocolate
1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon salt