Heat the milk over a moderate heat. Cut open the vanilla pod, scrape out the pulp and add both to the milk together with the sliced pepperoni, cilli flakes, cloves and the cinnamon stick and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Strain through and keep warm over low heat.
Whip the cream with sugar until stiff.
Finely chop the chocolate, add to the milk and melt in it, stirring constantly. Add a pinch of salt.
Divide the hot chocolate into 5 cups and serve with a whipped cream top.