- 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
 - 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
 - 5 tablespoons sugar
 - 2 pinches of salt
 - 2 cups half-and-half or 1 cup whole milk plus 1 cup heavy cream
 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
 
- Whisk together the cocoa, cornstarch, sugar, salt, and about 1/2 cup half-and-half in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until the cocoa and sugar are dissolved. Whisk in the rest of the half-and-half.
 - Bring it just to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly, then reduce the heat and slowly simmer it 1 minute.
 - Stir in the vanilla and serve.