Aztec Hot Chocolate (For the Crock Pot)

If you like hot chocolate, give this a shot! It's smokey, spicy, sweet and rich. SO good!!! You will need to chill the mixture for up to 24 hours before to let the flavours meld. This is a BHG recipe and was listed with Sweetened Whipped Cream. Enjoy!

• Ready In: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Yields: 12 4 ounce

Ingredients

• 4  cups milk
• 2  cups half-and-half or 2  cups  whole milk
• 1  teaspoon instant espresso coffee powder
• 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  dried chipotle powder
• 1 1⁄2 cups  semisweet chocolate pieces
•  sweetened whipped cream (Sweetened Whipped Cream) (optional)
•  ground cinnamon (optional)

Directions

1. In a large bowl combine milk, half-and-half, coffee powder, the 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and the ground chipotle chile pepper. If desired, cover bowl and chill for up to 24 hours.
2. Transfer mixture to a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker. Stir in chocolate pieces. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 4 hours or on high-heat setting for 2 hours, whisking vigorously once halfway through cooking time. Serve immediately or keep warm on warm setting or low-heat setting for up to 2 hours.
3. Before serving, whisk well. To serve, ladle beverage into heatproof mugs or cups. If desired, garnish each serving with whipped cream and/or sprinkle with additional cinnamon.