Parisian Hot Chocolate Recipe

To make hot chocolate: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the milk, cream and cocoa. Warm over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the cocoa. Add the chopped chocolate and stir until it melts completely. Bring mixture to a simmer, but do not boil. Return the heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Stir mixture to cool briefly, then ladle into serving cups.

To make garnish: With an electric mixer or by hand, whip the cream until frothy. Add sugar and whip until cream holds soft peaks. Place a dollop of cream on top of each serving of hot chocolate.