Suddenly, unexpectedly, and almost surprisingly (especially after those lovely 100 degree days last week), autumn has fallen into our laps. Having grown accustomed to scorching sun and clinging humidity, today's cool 73 degrees has all of us reaching for our sweaters. It's hard to believe that it's finally time to start turning the air conditioning off and digging out the jeans and jackets...or in my case buying new jeans and jackets....you don't spend a summer blogging about chocolate without picking up a few chocolately addictions. Just more insulation for the colder months! So, in the spirit of keeping you warm, Indianapolis, I have found a delightfully spicy and simple drink for those cool September nights. I found this Mexican hot chocolate recipe on FoodNetwork.com, courtesy of Barefoot Contessa. It pairs perfectly with a good book, a nice fire, a blanket, and a snuggly significant other (or cat).
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Yield: 2 to 3 cups
2 Cups whole milk
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
4 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, such as Lindt, chopped
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
smallest pinch cayenne pepper
Long cinnamon sticks for stirrers, optional
1. Place the milk and sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer. Off the heat, stir in chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper with a wooden spoon and allow to steep for 3 minutes. Reheat hot chocolate over low heat until it simmers.
2. Strain the hot chocolate into a measuring cup and pour into mugs. Stir with cinnamon sticks if desired.
Might I suggest a good novel pairing with that? The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon is a film noir style book set in the dark and mysterious streets of 1950s Barcelona. It's the kind of book that makes you stay up late....which would be perfect with a mug of Mexican hot chocolate! It'll make you gasp in horror, laugh in delight, and never want to put it down.
Coming soon: Interviews with the owners from Just Pop In! in Broadripple and from Confectioneiress in Zionsville!
Chocolate Fest is just around the corner. Have you bought your tickets yet?
No comments:
Post a Comment