Ingredients

• 3  cups half-and-half or light cream*
• 3/4  cup vanilla-flavor baking pieces or vanilla-flavor candy coating, chopped
•   3 inches stick cinnamon
• 1/8  teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4  teaspoon almond extract
•   Slivers of vanilla-flavor candy coating (optional)
•   Ground cinnamon (optional)

Directions

1. Combine 1/4 cup of the half-and-half or light cream, vanilla baking pieces or chopped candy coating, stick cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium saucepan; whisk over low heat until vanilla baking pieces or candy is melted. Remove stick cinnamon.

2. Add remaining half-and-half or light cream. Whisk until heated through. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and almond extract. Serve warm in cups or mugs; top with slivers of vanilla-flavor candy coating and sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired. Makes 5 (6-ounce) servings.

*Note: To reduce fat, you may substitute low-fat milk or evaporated fat-free milk for the half-and-half.

Tip: To create the foamy layer on top, blend some of the hot chocolate mixture in a blender container until frothy, and add to each serving.