Martini House Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Source: Ethan Howard, pastry chef, Martini House

2 cups milk
1 cup cream
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
16 ounces bittersweet chopped chocolate
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon peppermint oil

Add milk, cream, vanilla extract and sugar to a pot and place over medium heat. When milk mixture is hot, add the chopped chocolate and stir constantly. Continue stirring and add remaining ingredients. When mixture is starting to simmer, take off heat and serve or chill in refrigerator.