This smooth, rich hot chocolate is the perfect amount of spicy to make your mouth tingle, the perfect amount of heat to keep your body warm, and the perfect amount of dessert to keep your sweet tooth satisfied.
In a small saucepan, bring the water and chilli pepper to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and cook for 15 minutes.
Add the milk, and whisk for a few minutes, until steaming and hot.
Add the chocolate and whisk until completely melted and well combined (there will be little flecks of chocolate at first; whisk until those are no longer visible and the mixture is very smooth).
Heat for a couple more minutes. Squeeze the pepper between the edge of the pot and the back of a spoon. Taste test to make sure the heat level is to your liking. Cook for a few more minutes if you like it a little more spicy.
Once the hot chocolate is spicy enough, remove the chilli pepper from the pot, and stir in the vanilla. Pour into mugs, and serve with marshmallows or whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top. Serve immediately.
Note: If you like your marshmallows slightly melted, put them into your cup first and then pour the hot chocolate on top. Garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.