Amazing From-Scratch Hot Chocolate

I'm assuming that this is one of those the-better-the-chocolate-you-use-the-better-the-result situations. We use middle-of-the-road Ghiradelli chips from the supermarket, and still this is decadent. I also assume that some folks may want to increase or decrease the amount of chocolate, which is fine.

Total time: 5 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

4 cups whole milk (or 3 cups low-fat milk mixed with 1 cup half and half)
1 slightly heaping 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
The tiniest pinch of kosher salt (or half the tiniest pinch of table salt)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Marshmallows

1. In a medium-sized pot over medium-low heat, mix the milk with the chocolate chips, whisking occasionally, until the chips are melted and merged with the steaming-hot milk.
2. Whisk in the salt and vanilla and serve with marshmallows for topping.

Read more about Catherine making Amazing From-Scratch Hot Chocolate with her family.

See more recipes from Catherine Newman at her "Dalai Mama Dishes" blog.