Punch Recipes: Homemade Hot Chocolate

See Post: Let's Get Punchy!

Homemade Hot Chocolate
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetend cocoa powder
1/2 cup water
Pinch of Salt
3 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups half and half
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chilled whipping cream

Prep:
Using the tip of a small knife, scrape seeds from vanilla bean into processor; reserve bean.
Add sugar to processor and blend 10 seconds. Transfer 3 TBSP vanilla sugar to small bowl and reserve.

Transfer remaining vanilla sugar from processor to heavy medium saucepan.

Add cocoa pwd, 1/2 cup water and salt and whisk until smooth. Whisk over medium heat just until beginning to bubble. Whisk in whole milk and half and half. Add reserved vanilla bean; bring mixture to a simmer. Remove from heatl whisk in vanilla extract.
Discard vanilla bean.

Beat cream and reserved 3 TBSP sugar in a medium bowl until medium-firm peaks form.

Divide hot chocolate into 6 mugs, top with whipped cream and serve.

Great with peppermint schnapps!