Easy Hot Spiced Mexican Hot Chocolate

Submitted by kolibri

"This recipe is from Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello on Food Network. You may make this ahead and reheat. Make sure to either whisk it or blend it in a blender to make it light and foamy before serving."

 

• Ready In: 10mins
• Ingredients: 9
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup water
• 1 vanilla beans or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 1⁄2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, the best quality possible, grated
• 2 cups whole milk
• chili powder

directions

1. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Split the vanilla bean and add to the boiling water. Add sugar, cinnamon, espresso, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 1 minute and add the bittersweet chocolate. Whisk until it gets thick. Add milk and simmer 1 minute.
2. Serve immediately with sprinkling of chili powder on top, and you can add a dollop of vanilla ice cream if you wish.

Reviews

[Dizwendy]

The first time I made this, it was a little sweet for my taste. The second time, I decreased the sugar to 1/2 cup, and it was perfect! For an even yummier adult beverage, add a shot or two of Kahlua. To die for!!!

 

[Kittencalrecipezazz]

All I can say is DELICIOUS! I even added in a pinch cayenne pepper, my DH loved this, thanks for sharing this great hot chocolate recipe kolibri!...Kitten :)

 

[Al Al]

This was "the best hot chocolate I've ever had" according to my husband. :) VERY yummy. I only used 1/4 c. of sugar, and ended up adding more milk as well... I will probably use 4 cups of milk (2 %) the next time I make it with maybe 1/3 c. of sugar. I used Trader Joe's 72% dark chocolate (our favorite!!) I quit using packaged hot chocolate mixes a while back, and now I know we will never go back! :) Thanks for the recipe. It was the perfect complement to our rainy afternoon!!

 

[Casual Cookie]

Excellent recipe, and extremely satisfying, although I chickened out of trying the chile powder. :) Next time I'll be more adventurous. I used 3 oz of bakers semi-sweet chocolate, and reduced the sugar to 1/4 cup. I also didn't have instant espresso, and just used instant regular coffee. It was just the right sweetness, and nice and chocolatey. Yum.

 

[Techie Pet]

Excellent! I had no vanilla extract or espresso, and i whisked the chile powder in with the cinnamon (and added nutmeg). It was very tasty, and I think, could do with a bit less sugar... I will be sure to try it with the other ingredients next time!