Steamy Hot Cocoa

Recipe by Scott Campbell, Chef/Owner, Avenue NYC

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup tablespoon sugar
• 4 cups fat free milk
• Vanilla syrup to taste
• 1 tsp. ground black pepper

Directions

Measure cocoa and sugar into a saucepan with about 1/2 cup milk. Heat over medium flame and whisk until cocoa becomes smooth. Add remaining milk and heat until steam rises and bubbles form around the edges. Do not boil. Ladle into mugs and drizzle with vanilla syrup.

Vanilla Syrup

Makes 2 cups

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract

Directions

In medium saucepan over medium high heat, bring water and sugar to a boil. Cook until mixture thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.