Mayan Hot Chocolate

Missy Wombat's Note:

Remember the movie Chocolat where Juliette Binoche adds chili to the drink? Well, this is one recipe for a spiced hot chocolate.

• Total Time: 10 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 chili pepper , cut in half,seeds removed
• 5 cups light cream or 5 cups whole milk or 5 cups nonfat milk
• 1 vanilla bean , split lengthwise
• 1 -2 cinnamon stick
• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate or 3 pieces mexican chocolate , cut into 2 inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons sugar or 2 tablespoons honey , to taste
• 1 tablespoon almonds or 1 tablespoon hazelnuts , ground extra fine

Directions:

1. Add chili pepper to 2 cups boiling water.
2. Cook until liquid is reduced to 1 cup.
3. Remove chili pepper; strain for stray seeds, and set aside.
4. In a medium-size saucepan, combine cream or milk, vanilla bean and cinnamon stick.
5. Heat over medium flame until bubbles appear around the edge.
6. Reduce heat to low.
7. Add chocolate and sugar or honey.
8. Whisk occasionally until chocolate is melted and sugar dissolves.
9. Turn off heat.
10. Remove vanilla bean and cinnamon stick, stir in ground almonds or hazelnuts.
11. Carefully add the chili pepper infusion, a little at a time, making sure the flavour isn't too strong.
12. If chocolate is too thick, thin with a little more milk.

Reviews

[kapusniak]

Mayan hot chocolate does not contain milk or cream.

[Chef #199665]

when made right this is VERY GOOD! the pepper adds a unique spice and gives the recipe its flavor. it is a thick chocolate drink that can only be drunk in small portions but it is very satisfying. I did have a little bit of trouble getting it to come out right, but it was worth it!

[BecR]

Hi- I have not tried this yet, but can hardly wait to do so! Have yet to find a source for vanilla bean as well as does the hot pepper need to be fresh, or dried?