Name: Vanilla Hot Chocolate Mix
Yield: Makes 24 to 32 servings (10 cups mix)
Ingredients: 4 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 vanilla bean, split crosswise (see tips, below); 1 1/2 pounds high-quality semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped; 8 ounces milk chocolate, coarsely chopped; 2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch process (see tips, below)

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Vanilla Hot Chocolate MixDeborah Ory

Nothing beats great hot chocolate. Use the best chocolate you can get your hands on. We love Valrhona, but Lindt and Ghirardelli are also excellent choices. If giving as a gift, transfer the mix to crocks, jars, canisters, or cellophane bags, decorate with ribbons, and attach gift tags with the serving directions.

Tips:

•Save the other half of the vanilla bean for another use, such as a second batch of vanilla sugar, which keeps indefinitely and can be used in baking, coffee, or simply to sprinkle on fruit or waffles.
•Dutch process cocoa has been treated with an alkaline solution, which gives it a darker color and less bitter flavor and makes it dissolve more easily. Droste is a good brand.

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