Deb's decadent hot chocolate mix

Deb’s decadent hot chocolate mix lives up to its name. It gets the decadence from using dark chocolate in addition to cocoa powder. The dark chocolate is ground in a food processor or finely chopped so that it perfectly melts when you add hot milk. It’s not too sweet so you can really taste the chocolate, and it has a thick and creamy texture. I expect nothing less from Deb of Smitten Kitchen. She is my favorite food blogger and taste bud kindred spirit. This hot chocolate mix is definitely gift worthy and takes about 10 minutes to make. Deb has some ideas for cute packaging and mixing in other flavors on her site.

Hot chocolate is hands down my favorite winter beverage. Since we have so little cold weather in San Antonio, I take advantage and get my hot chocolate while I can. I’m not ashamed to admit this is my second batch of hot chocolate since it finally got cold here about two weeks ago.
 
Tell me in the comments what spices you like to add to your hot chocolate. I like cinnamon, hot pepper, and/or cardamom. And thanks to my friend M.C. for suggesting a hot chocolate post!

Deb’s decadent hot chocolate mix
Recipe by Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen
 
Makes a little under under 1 3/4 cups mix, enough for 9 cups
 
Ingredients
 
1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon (8 grams) cornstarch
3 ounces (85 grams) semi- or bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
1/2 cup (40 grams) cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt or 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
 
Instructions
 
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until powdery. If you don’t have a food processor, chop or grate the chocolate super fine and combine with the remaining ingredients. Keeps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 months.
 
To use: Heat one cup of milk (coconut, almond, or any kind you like) in a saucepan or microwave until steamy. Add 3 tablespoons hot cocoa mix, stirring until the mix is completely dissolved.