Note: New Mexican Hot Chocolate is spiced and contains ground almonds.

Ingredients

• 6 oz (6 squares) unsweetened chocolate*, shaved or grated
• 1/4 c sugar or piloncillo (more to taste)
• pinch salt
• pinch of powdered red chile
• 1 inch piece of stick cinnamon (Mexican if available)
• 3/4 c cold water
• 2 tbs finely ground almonds
• 6 cups milk
• vanilla extract (optional)

Method

Mix the sugar, salt, chile, cinnamon and cold water together in a heavy pot. Heat gently and stir in the chocolate shavings.Stir until the chocolate is mostly melted. Add the ground almonds and the 6 cups of milk. Heat nearly to a simmer but don’t boil. A few drops of good vanilla extract can be added after taking the chocolate off the heat.

Beat the New Mexican Hot Chocolate to a froth using a whisk or a molinillo (purpose-made chocolate beater). Pour into preheated mugs. Serve very hot.

 Molinillos

*If using commercial Mexican chocolate (Ibarra and Abuelita are two common brands), follow package instructions.

New Mexican Hot Chocolate is delicious served with Churros, Biscochitos or Sopaipillas.

Image by Aoife city womanchile via Flickr

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