You might not think that chili pepper goes well with chocolate, especially not as a drink. But that is how it was originally served.
Chocolate was first enjoyed by the Aztec people, who used the cocoa beans for gifts, currency and rituals as well as eating. Their version of "hot chocolate" was made with roasted cocoa beans with added wine and chili pepper. There was no sweetener, and it was actually served cold.
Well, I don't think that sounds all that appetizing (though I might experiment a little come summer). But if you want a touch of history as well as zip in your warm mug of hot chocolate, why not try a recipe that includes the red peppers of the Atzecs?
Hot Chili Chocolate
- 1 2/3 cups milk
- 1/2 vanilla bean
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 1/2 oz bittersweet chocolate
Split red chili pepper and remove the seeds. Also split the vanilla bean, lengthwise. In a saucepan, heat milk to simmering with vanilla bean, chili pepper and broken up cinnamon stick. Continue to simmer for a minute or two. Grate chocolate, and whisk into the hot spiced milk until melted. Remove mixture from heat and let sit for 10 minutes, to steep. Strain, and heat through again if necessary. Serve hot. Serves 2.
Terri Paajanen - Terri Paajanen is a published author and freelance writer. She has been writing on a wide-range of topics for years, including spending ...
