Decadent French Hot Chocolate

🍽️ Method

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium-high heat, adding the cinnamon sticks and vanilla essence at the start.
2. Once the milk reaches a boil, reduce heat to low, stir, and let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and remove the cinnamon sticks. Stir in the cocoa powder.
4. Strain the milk, rinse the saucepan, and return the milk to the clean pan.
5. Heat again over low heat. Add the pinch of sugar and pinch of salt.
6. Add the dark chocolate pieces, stirring gently until the mixture is smooth and silky.
7. Serve immediately, or continue cooking for a thicker consistency.