Ahh... weather here is finally turning colder and younger daughter is asking for hot chocolate. I happened upon this recipe from the Le Cordon Bleu Cooking School. Interesting that they suggest cinnamon and a peppercorn AND that you can make it, refrigerate it and reheat it later for a more deep chocolate flavor!!!

Here it is...

Ingredients
1 litre / 1 quart whole milk
250 ml / 1 cup heavy cream
120 g / 4 oz. dark chocolate (70%)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1 peppercorn
2 tablespoons sugar

Method
Place the milk and cream in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and slowly bring to a boil.
Chop up the dark chocolate, and add to the hot liquid along with the cinnamon, peppercorn and sugar. Allow to gently heat for 10 minutes while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
Strain the hot chocolate through a fine sieve, and divide among six warmed cups. Serve immediately with a marshmallow, if desired.

Chef's tip: for a deep chocolate flavor, make the mixture ahead a time, allow to cool and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Gently reheat before serving.