Red Velvet Hot Chocolate With Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

(Courtesy of Taste of Home)

Ingredients:
2 c. 2% milk
3 c. heavy whipping cream, divided
2 tsp. white vinegar
2 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla, divided
1 c. granulated sugar
6 Tbsp. baking cocoa
1 tsp. red food coloring
1/2 tsp. iodized salt
2 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 c. powdered sugar

Directions:
In a medium saucepan, combine milk, 2 c. heavy cream, vinegar, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, sugar and cocoa powder.

Simmer over medium heat, whisking until smooth.  Add red food coloring and salt and heat through.

Using  a mixer, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

Slowly beat in remaining vanilla and remaining heavy cream for about 3 minutes until stiff peaks form.

Pour hot chocolate into glass and top with whipped cream.  Garnish with candy canes or desired holiday candies.