White Hot Chocolate

(Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens)

Ingredients:
6 inches stick cinnamon
8 cardamom pods
1 vanilla bean, split or 2 tsp. vanilla
3 c. half-and-half or light cream
3 c. milk
1 1/2 c. white baking pieces
Grated dark chocolate and/or white chocolate (optional)

Directions:
Place the cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla bean, if using, on a square of 100% cotton cheesecloth.  Bring up the corners of cheesecloth and tie with 100% cotton string.

In a 3 1/2-4 quart slow cooker stir together the cream, milk and baking pieces.  Add the spice bag.  Cover and cook on low heat setting for 4-5 hours or on high-heat setting for 2-2 1/2 hours, stirring halfway through cooking time.  Remove spice bag and stir in the vanilla, if using.  If desired, top servings with grated chocolate.