Hot chocolate is the ultimate winter indulgence. But the powdery packets from the store can leave you hopped up on a lot of sugar and little flavor.

Today, we’re letting you in on a little family secret and sharing Sam’s recipe for hot chocolate. It’s warm and indulgent without being overly sweet.

We’ve been making this recipe since 2008, when we decided on a whim to whip up a batch of hot chocolate and invite friends over for a night of carols.