Hot Chocolate Recipe 2 (from Caffé Vestri in Florence)

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons Dutch processed cocoa powder (like Pernigotti, Van Hooten, or Droste)

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 6 ounces (70 - 80%) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

• 2 cups milk

• Chili powder (optional)

Execution:

Place the cocoa powder, sugar, and 3-4 tablespoons of the milk in a saucepan and heat until the sugar melts, stirring well to remove any lumps. Boil the remaining mile then add to the chocolate mix. Heat to steaming, while whisking to thoroughly incorporate the ingredients.

Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Stir to melt the chocolate then let it sit. Reheat and stir well before serving.