SALTED CARAMEL HOT COCOA

This caramel sauce only takes 5 minutes, and it's so easy to make. It's delicious on ice cream, but it's fantastic in this decadent hot cocoa recipe.

Caramel Sauce:
1/2 c. whipping cream
2 tbsp. Epicure's Hot Buttered Rum
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. Epicure's Sea Salt (don't grind it - use the whole grains)

Hot Cocoa:
3 c. milk
1/2 c. whipping cream
4 tbsp. Epicure's Pure Cocoa (3 tbsp. might even be enough if you're using Epicure's amazing cocoa)
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
1/3 c. sugar (1/4 c. might be enough)
1/4 c. caramel sauce

In a small saucepan, bring whipping cream and Hot Buttered Rum to a boil. Reduce heat and continue to gently boil for 4-5 minutes (colour should darken slightly). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and sea salt.

In a large sauce pan over medium-high heat, combine all the cocoa ingredients together and stir until smooth and hot.  Serve with whipped cream and a drizzle of the leftover caramel sauce.

Best hot chocolate EVER!