the Cocoa season : Articles : Mexican Hot Chocolate
T
he Mayans were the first to create a beverage from cacoa beans, but it is from the Aztecs that we get the word chocolate. They called their spicy foamy drink
xocolatl because they associated its properties with Xochiquetzal, the Aztec goddess of fertility.
he Mayans were the first to create a beverage from cacoa beans, but it is from the Aztecs that we get the word chocolate. They called their spicy foamy drink
xocolatl because they associated its properties with Xochiquetzal, the Aztec goddess of fertility.
INGREDIENTS
Makes 2 servings.
2 cups whole milk
1 cinnamon stick (or ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder)
½ of a vanilla bean, split open (or 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract)
* optional: 1/2 chile pepper split open with seeds removed (poblano or Hatch)
3 ounces semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces
Note: chocolate with a high wax content is not suited to this recipe
Note: chocolate with a high wax content is not suited to this recipe
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Freshly grated cinnamon, or cinnamon powder, for garnish
*for those that like things a little spicy, steeping an opened chile pepper gives a slight
heat to the taste... try it... you'll like it!
Refrigerate a large stainless steel mixing bowl for mixing the cream. Use the mixer bowl if you are planning to use a standing mixer.
Combine milk, cinnamon stick, and vanilla bean in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes,
stirring occasionally.
In the meantime, make the whipped cream by hand or mixer. Combine heavy whipping cream and sugar in the refrigerated
bowl. Whip cream until soft peaks form. Taste and adjust for desired sweetness. Refrigerate whipped cream until ready to use.
Image courtesy of Julie Armstrong Holetz.
Add ½ cup semi sweet chocolate to steeped milk and stir until melted. This is best accomplished using a
molinillo, a wooden kitchen tool designed to incorporate chocolate into hot liquid - but a small
whisk will also work well. Strain heated mixture and serve immediately with dollops of whipped cream. Top whipped cream with freshly grated
cinnamon, or a dusting of cinnamon powder.
COMMENTS (4):
OMG this looks good. Yum. Watching "Chocolat" lead me to first try hot chocolate with chili powder. It sure is nice.
- Karen C, 2010-02-06 09:59:48
- Karen C, 2010-02-06 09:59:48
LOVE the picture! ADORE the "cable knit" mug!!!
- nancy a, 2010-01-06 04:00:50
- nancy a, 2010-01-06 04:00:50
oh my. FANTASTIC looking.
And I absolutely LOVE the look of the magazine! Beautiful, smart, witty, true.
- Kate P, 2009-11-30 01:23:43
- Kate P, 2009-11-30 01:23:43
Definitely try the chili pepper, it adds a little zing!
- Julie H, 2009-10-17 06:40:54
- Julie H, 2009-10-17 06:40:54