Dutch Hot Chocolate

Directions

1. 1
   In a large bowl, stir together the cocoa and 6 tablespoons of sugar.
2. 2
   Stir in 1/4 cup of the milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, making a smooth paste.
3. 3
   Place the remaining milk and the vanilla bean in a large saucepan and bring just to a boil.
4. 4
   Meanwhile, whip the cream to soft peaks; add 2 teaspoons of sugar to it.
5. 5
   Remove the milk from the heat and whisk into the chocolate mixture.
6. 6
   Remove the vanilla bean.
7. 7
   Ladle the chocolate into 4 mugs and top with generous dollops of the whipped cream.
8. 8
   Serve immediately.