Hot Chocolate

Method

1. 1

   Make a paste

   Put the cocoa and sugar in a small pan. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of the milk to make a smooth paste.

2. 2

   Heat the milk

   Whisk in the rest of the milk and warm it over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, whisking, until steaming with tiny bubbles at the edge. Do not let it boil.

3. 3

   Melt the chocolate

   Take the pan off the heat and add the chopped chocolate. Leave it for 1 minute to soften, then whisk until it has completely melted and the milk is smooth.

4. 4

   Thicken

   Put the pan back over low heat and whisk steadily for 2 minutes, until it thickens slightly and turns frothy. Stir in the vanilla and the pinch of salt.

5. 5

   Serve

   Taste and add a little more sugar if you like it sweeter. Whisk hard once more for a frothy top, then pour into warm mugs.

Tips

• Finely chop the chocolate so it softens quickly and melts evenly.
• Keep whisking as the milk warms, and watch for tiny bubbles at the edge rather than a boil.
• Warm the mugs with hot water, then dry them before pouring in the chocolate.

Swaps

• Use semi-skimmed milk instead of whole milk for a lighter drink.
• Use caster sugar instead of light brown sugar.

Storing

Best served straight away; reheat leftovers gently over low heat, whisking until smooth.