Vanilla Mocha Hot Cocoa.

• servings: Servings: 4
• active time: 10 minutes
• total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

4 1/2 cups whole milk (or nut milk)

1/3 cup real maple syrup

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

6 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped (I like to use 72% dark)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon instant coffee powder

1 pinch flaky salt

whipped cream, for serving

grated nutmeg or cinnamon (optional)

Directions

1. Add the milk, maple syrup, cocoa powder, chocolate, vanilla, coffee powder, and pinch of salt to a large pot. Place the pot over medium low heat until the milk is scalding, but not boiling. Be sure to stir the pot often to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom and burning.

2. Once the hot cocoa is steaming, ladle into mugs and dollop with whipped cream. Drink and enjoy!

SLOW COOKER INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add the milk, maple syrup, cocoa powder, chocolate, vanilla, coffee powder, and pinch of salt to the bowl of your crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Switch to warm until ready to serve, up to 2 more hours.

2. Ladle into mugs and dollop with whipped cream. Drink and enjoy!