Thick Hot Chocolate (Cioccolata Calda)

Chop the dark chocolate into very small pieces. Place the milk on low heat.
In a bowl, mix together cocoa, cornstarch, and powdered sugar. When the milk is hot, but well before it starts to boil, add the mixture and start stirring, always in the same direction, avoiding the formation of lumps.

Once bubbles start to form on the surface, add the chocolate and mix until thick and creamy. But beware: the starch will cause it to thicken even when removed from heat, so it's a good idea to remove the chocolate from the heat before it thickens completely (otherwise you run the risk of turning it into a spoon cake!

Pour it into two mugs and serve it warm. For a dash of decadence, add a dollop of whipped cream on top!

Note: This is the espresso of hot chocolate. It says it serves 2, but it's so rich, I think it serves 4!