Barefoot Contessa's Hot Chocolate

This sounds so delicious! The Barefoot Contessa recommends using Valrhona (French) or Callebaut (Belgain) brands of high quality chocolate for this so splurge!

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 4-5

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 cups  whole milk
• 2  cups half-and-half
• 4  ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 4  ounces  milk chocolate, chopped
• 1  tablespoon sugar
• 1  teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1  teaspoon instant espresso (or coffee powder)
• 4 -5  vanilla beans (or cinnamon sticks)

Directions

1. Heat milk and half and half in a saucepan on medium heat to just below the simmering point.
2. Remove the pan from the heat and add both types of chocolate.
3. When they are melted, add the sugar, vanilla extract and espresso and whisk vigorously.
4. Reheat gently and serve immedietly garnished with vanilla beans or cinnamon sticks.