Rich Thick Hot Chocolate

2 (3.5-oz.) dark chocolate bars (at least 70% cacao), chopped
2 teaspoons cornstarch
4 cups milk, divided
1/3 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Marshmallow Whipped Cream (optional)

Whisk together cornstarch and 1/2 cup milk until smooth.

Cook remaining 3 1/2 cups milk in a large, nonaluminum saucepan over medium heat until bubbles appear around edge of saucepan (about 4 minutes; do not boil). Whisk in chocolate, honey, vanilla extract, and salt until blended and smooth. Whisk in cornstarch mixture.

Bring milk mixture to a light boil, whisking frequently (about 4 minutes). Remove from heat. Let cool slightly. (Mixture will thicken as it cools.) Serve immediately with Marshmallow Whipped Cream, if desired.