Hot Chocolate with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream

It was 10pm and my husband was going to be up late working (from home) and we were in need of some sugar... so I whipped up some hot chocolate & vanilla bean whipped cream.  I love how the melted whipped cream makes the chocolate so creamy!!  Not too sweet either. 

Hot Chocolate and Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream

First start with the Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream

1/2 cup cold heavy whipping cream

1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar (I used vanilla bean sugar from BEANILLA)

In a bowl, place the whipping cream, vanilla extract, and sugar and stir to combine.  Cover and chill the bowl and wire whisk in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. 

Hot Chocolate

2 1/2 cups whole milk

5 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)

Place the milk and semisweet chocolate chips in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until the chocolate has melted.  Let it simmer. 

Once the hot chocolate is done, pull your whipped cream bowl from the refrigerator and whisk the mixture until stiff peaks form.  

Pour the hot chocolate into two cups and pipe or spoon the whipped cream.  You can garnish the whipped cream with shaved chocolate, cocoa powder or even marshmallows.  

Makes 2 1/2 cups