Lavender Hot Chocolate

                                                                                     

               Makes 2 cups

Ingredients   

Hot Chocolate:
2 cups whole milk
2 ounces dark chocolate
2 ounce milk chocolate
1/4 teaspoon culinary  lavender buds

Whipped Cream:  Optional you can use a premade one.
1/2 cup cold heavy whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 tablespoon granulated white sugar

Directions

If making fresh whipped cream follow these directions first before making hot chocolate mix

Place cold cream, vanilla, and sugar into a cold mixing bowl. Beat the mixture with a mixer until stiff peaks form. keep refrigerated until ready for use.

Directions for the hot chocolate

Heat milk and lavender over medium heat, whisking occasionally until the milk begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let lavender steep for at least 5 minutes. Strain lavender with a strainer and return the milk to the  saucepan. Over medium heat, add chocolate and mix until chocolate is melted and has blended into the milk.  Whisk milk mixture with a hand whisk until frothy. This should take about 30 seconds. 

 Pour into mugs  serve with a spoonful  of whipped cream and sprinkle a bit of lavender buds on top of the whipped cream

Lavender buds are fragrant so you can adjust the taste of the milk by adding more or cutting down the amount.