Peppermint Hot Chocolate

1.	In a small bowl, mix together the cocoa powder and warm water to make a paste.
2.	Add the milk, heavy cream, chocolate chips and cocoa paste to the slow cooker, set to low for one hour
3.	Stir a few times with a whisk during cooking.
4.	When chocolate is melted, whisk until fully combined and smooth. Add the peppermint extract, vanilla extract and salt. Taste and add more peppermint extract if needed. If you want a sweeter, more chocolatey hot chocolate, add 1/4 cup more chocolate chips and stir until fully melted.
5.	Serve with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies and chocolate shavings to garnish. Hot cocoa can be keep on the warm setting for several hours, but will need to be whisked a few times as it forms a skin on top.

	6 ½ cups milk I used 2%
	1/2 cup heavy cream or just use more milk
	1 ½ - 1 ¾ cups chocolate chips start with less, add more for richer and sweeter hot chocolate
	1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
	1 tablespoon warm water
	1 teaspoon vanilla extract
	1/2 -1 teaspoon peppermint extract I used 3/4 teaspoon. Start with less, add more to taste. Peppermint extract can be very strong!
	pinch of salt
	whipped cream
	crushed peppermint candies
	chocolate shavings