For the hazelnut milk:
2 cups roasted and skinned hazelnuts*
4 cups water, plus more as needed
small pinch of salt
½ vanilla bean (or ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract), optional
2-3 tsp. pure maple syrup, honey, a few pitted dates, or other sweetener, optional
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For the hazelnut hot cocoa:
3-4 oz. good quality dark chocolate, or vegan chocolate, chopped
2 cups hazelnut milk
Optional: fresh whipped cream, or coconut cream, for serving