Mayan Hot Chocolate
2 cups boiling water
1 chile pepper, cut in half, seeds removed (with gloves)
5 cups light cream or whole or nonfat milk
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
1 to 2 cinnamon sticks
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate or
3 tablets Mexican chocolate, cut into 1/4" pieces
2 tablespoons sugar or honey, or to taste
l tablespoon almonds or hazelnuts, ground extra fine
Whipped cream
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add chile pepper to boiling water. Cook until liquid is reduced to 1 cup. Remove chile pepper; strain water and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cream or milk, vanilla bean and cinnamon stick until bubbles appear around the edge. Reduce heat to low; add chocolate and sugar or honey; whisk occasionally until chocolate is melted and sugar dissolves. Turn off heat; remove vanilla bean and cinnamon stick. Add chile-infused water, a little at a time, tasting to make sure the flavor isn't too strong. If chocolate is too thick, thin with a little more milk.
Serve in small cups and offer ground almonds or hazelnuts and whipped cream.
For more info on the history of hot chocolate, see http://whatscookingamerica.net/Beverage/HotChocolate.htm
3 comments:
Also must try:
Castillian Hot Chocolate
1/2 c Cocoa (powdered), unsweetened
1 c Sugar
4 c Whole Milk
7 teaspoons Cornstarch (cornflour for my European friends)
1/2 c Water
Mix the cocoa and sugar together. Gradually combine the milk with the cocoa-sugar mixture in a medium-sized saucepan, whisking slowly to keep it smooth. Begin heating this mixture, continuously stirring it with a whisk, as you bring it to a simmer. Mix the cornstarch into the water and gradually add to the pot. Simmer, stirring often, for about 10 minutes. The cocoa is ready when it thickens and is glossy and smooth. (It may not look glossy and smooth but after stirring for ten minutes it will be once you pour it into the mugs.)
Add a dash of cayenne and real whipped cream (don't dare desecrate this wonderful, thick cocoa with Cool Whip or the Chocolate Police will come and drag you off!)
from: http://www.virtualchocolate.com/chocolatemuse/hotchocolate.cfm
you lost me after "2 cups boiling water"...
sounds good however, if it's not explosive...
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