Hazelnut Hot Chocolate

Name: Hazelnut Hot Chocolate
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 22 servings (1/2 cup each).
Ingredients: 3 vanilla beans; 9 cups whole milk; 2-3/4 cups heavy whipping cream, divided; 16 ounces bittersweet chocolate, divided; 1/2 cup Nutella; 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup hazelnut liqueur; 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted; Cinnamon sticks, optional

Vanilla beans and Frangelico liquor lend to the sophisticated flavor of this hot chocolate. With such rich taste, it could be served as a dessert.—Michael Compean, West Los Angeles, California

Ingredients

3 vanilla beans
9 cups whole milk
2-3/4 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
16 ounces bittersweet chocolate, divided
1/2 cup Nutella
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup hazelnut liqueur
1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted
Cinnamon sticks, optional

Directions

Split vanilla beans in half lengthwise. With a sharp knife, scrape the beans to remove the seeds. Set seeds aside; discard the beans.
In a large saucepan, heat milk and 3/4 cup cream over medium heat just until mixture comes to a simmer. Chop 15 ounces chocolate. In a large heat-proof bowl, combine the chopped chocolate, Nutella, sugars, salt and vanilla seeds. Pour warm milk mixture over chocolate mixture. Let stand for 1 minute.
Meanwhile, whip remaining cream and shave remaining chocolate. Whisk chocolate mixture until smooth; stir in liqueur. Serve with whipped cream, shaved chocolate and chopped hazelnuts. Garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired.