• 3 cups whole milk
• 3 oz. bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped into small bits (1/4-inch pieces are fine)
• Min Marshmallows

1. Bring the milk just to a boil. Put the chocolate in a blender and pour in the hot milk. Let sit for 10 to 15 seconds so the chocolate begins to melt and then cover securely, place a folded towel over the lid, and blend until completely mixed and frothy, about 30 seconds. (Alternatively, you can use a steamer to froth the milk. Add the chocolate, stirring until melted and well blended, and then steam the mixture again for a few seconds more.) Pour into two mugs and top each with a homemade marshmallow.
2. For unfrothy hot chocolate—Heat the milk in a saucepan until it just begins to boil. Remove the pan from the heat, add the chocolate, and stir or whisk until well blended. Pour into two mugs and top each with mini marshmallows.

Variations

• Hot Chocolate with Ginger & Cinnamon—Ginger gives this drink a nice bite. Add 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon and 1/2 tsp. ground ginger to the milk before heating.
• Mint Hot Chocolate—Fresh mint gives a clean, fresh taste. Add 6 to 8 mint leaves to the heated milk and let steep for 10 minutes. Reheat the milk and strain out the mint. Blend with 3-1/2 oz. chopped chocolate. Garnish each cup with a mint leaf.
• Hot Chocolate with Cardamom—Add 1/4 tsp. ground cardamom to the milk before heating.