Christmas Cappuccino

Ingredients

 * 1½ cup espresso beans
 * 3 cups boiling water
 * 2 tbsp sugar
 * 1 vanilla bean, split
 * 4 cups milk
 * 4 oz bittersweet chocolate chopped
 * whipped cream - optional

Directions

 * 1) In a coffee mill, finely grind the beans.
 * 2) In a coffee maker, brew the espresso with the boiling water.
 * 3) Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon and set aside.
 * 4) Using a small knife, scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into a medium saucepan.
 * 5) Pour in the milk and scald over moderate heat, about 5 minutes.
 * 6) Remove from heat, add chocolate and stir until melted.
 * 7) Cover and keep warm over very low heat.
 * 8) Divide the hot espresso into 4 cups.
 * 9) In a blender, begin whipping half of the warm chocolate milk at low speed.
 * 10) Gradually increase the speed to high and blend until frothy, about 1 minute.
 * 11) Pour the chocolate milk into the cups of coffee, stir briefly and top each serving with some of the milk froth.
 * 12) Sprinkle the reserved cinnamon sugar on top.
 * 13) Serve immediately with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.