Peppermint Patty Hot Chocolate

From Lovely's chocolate cupboard

You'll need

• 2 cups (500 ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (55 g) chocolate chips
• 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract, plus another drop only if needed
• Mini marshmallows or whipped cream, optional
• A little finely crushed candy cane, optional

Aprons on

Let's make it

1. 1

   Whisk the cocoa powder, sugar and 2 tablespoons of the milk in a small saucepan until smooth.

2. 2

   Ask a grown-up to add the remaining milk and warm the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking often. Do not let it boil.

3. 3

   Add the chocolate chips and whisk until completely melted and steaming.

4. 4

   Remove from the heat. Stir in 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract, taste after it cools slightly, and add no more than one extra drop if needed.

5. 5

   A grown-up pours the hot chocolate into two mugs. Let it cool to a safe sipping temperature, then add marshmallows, whipped cream or crushed candy cane.