Hot Chocolate

Ingredients 

• 2 oz. semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped, or 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 4 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee crystals (optional)
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Marshmallows (optional)

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan combine chocolate, sugar, and 1/2 cup of the milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture just comes to boiling. Stir in remaining milk and, if desired, coffee crystals; heat through. Do not boil.
2. Remove from heat. Strain mixture through a fine mesh strainer or sieve to remove excess bits of chocolate.
3. If desired, beat milk mixture with a rotary beater until frothy. Makes 6 (about 6-ounce) servings. 
4. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired.