Mexican Hot Chocolate
by Maria Lopez
Level: Easy to Moderate | Total Time: About 10 mins | Servings: 1
"...the origin of the word "chocolate" to the Aztec word "xocoatl," which referred to a bitter drink brewed from cacao beans. The Latin name for the cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, means "food of the gods." (SmithsonianMagazine.com).Chocolate is believed to have first been created from cacao beans in MesoAmerica by the Mayans.Cacao was considered a gift from the gods and was used for healing, spiritual ceremonies, and as a form of currency(Sanmiguelfoodtours.com).
Mexican hot chocolate is one of my son's favorite treats. I started out making hot chocolate for him with Ibarra chocolate tablets. Then I started exploring different recipes to make him a treat that had a little less sugar. This is the simple recipe I follow when I want to put together a quick Mexican hot chocolate. All the ingredients in this recipe can be found at a local food store, typically in the baking section.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup *milk/water (or your favorite milk alternative- but consistency, and sugar in certain milks will alter the final taste)
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. of pure cacao powder (pure cacao is bitter for some, add more if you enjoy a little more kick)
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. of sugar (or alternative such as: coconut sugar, honey, *maple syrup)
- 1 tsp. of cinnanom or 1/4 piece of a *cinnanom stick (preferrably ceylon)
*ingredients I like to use
Directions
- Mix cacao powder in with cinnamon powder(or place cinnamon stick in with milk).I find mixing these dry ingredients in with your liquid helps in getting a smooth and lump free hot chocolate.
- Boil milk or water (Keep cinnamon stick in there while it boils).
- Remove from heat and add your choice of sweetener. Of course you can always add more later if you require a little more sweetness.
- If you used the cinnamon stick you can use a sieve to pour into your cup.
Enjoy with some traditional pan dulce for the perfect Mexican inspired treat.
Below I've linked the Ibarra chocolate, as well as a local San Diego shop that sells a variety of chocolate, as well as other great items from Mexico.