#2 E.A.T. Spicy Mexican-style Cocoa Mix
This is #2 in my E.A.T (Easy as That) series on how to make lots of delectables at home that are much tastier, less expensive & better quality that buying pre-packaged from high-end groceries & specialty markets.
Hot, spicy cocoa mixes…..You might know the ones I am talking about…they are packaged in beautifully printed boxes that reflect fabrics from whatever country’s spice profile is represented? Mexico, Peru, India….I really love these very peppery hot cocoa mixes & their beautiful little decorative boxes that unfortunately contain just a few tablespoons inside for over $8.00! I received a box as a gift last year & was hooked, but quickly realized that my palate, my pocketbook & my psyche were miles apart.
I am one of those coffee drinkers who love a cup of strong black coffee laced with a generous dollop of hot milk and a tablespoonful of a spicy hot cocoa mix. To the coffee purists among you this is probably just too much gilding the lily, but it is the most comforting of hot drinks on still chilly early Spring mornings. The aroma is both earthy & ethereal.
Ingredients:
8 ounces good quality cocoa
1-2 cups raw sugar
1/4 cup espresso powder
5-6 ounces good quality semisweet chocolate (I used 2 Olive & Sinclair Mexican Style Stone Ground bars)chopped into small pieces
1 generous tsp each freshly ground black pepper & sea salt
1 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cardamom pod
2 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper (I used almost 2, but I like it hot)
Instructions:
1. Place all ingredients in a food processor. Process until chocolate pieces are ground finely with other ingredients. Remove lid, taste, adjust to your taste. Add more sugar or cayenne, espresso powder? Whatever you like.
2. Store “Spicy Mexican-style Cocoa Mix” in jars with air-tight lids. This makes a fine gift for a fellow hot cocoa lover.
3. To make a hot cup of “Spicy Mexican -style Cocoa Mix” I heat 1 to 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk in a pan over medium heat. When milk just begins to bubble around the edges of the pan I stir in 1 generous tablespoon of the mix. Stir until dissolved in the hot milk. Serve in your favorite cup or mug.
“It’s as easy as that!”
This looks delicious – thanks for sharing:)
My husband makes a very similar mix and it’s lovely, less cloyingly sweet than store bought cocoa mixes and packed with so much more flavour. I like your pairing with the coffee too
I love my coffee. But I’d love this too. I love the idea for the series.
This looks really great, such a good idea. GG
Homemade mixes are so much better, and this one looks delicious.
This sounds wonderful, I love the idea of hot yet spicy coffee/chocolate. and your mug is adorable!!
Chocolate and chilies are such a good match. Sounds great. (As you can see, I was able to connect to your blog today. Yea!)
easy and beautiful! I’m so glad I found your blog. I love pairing chocolate with chiles. Thank you for sharing!
I adore a good Mexican hot cocoa but have never made it like this! The ingredients you used for this are just top-notch. I bet it tastes very unique and warms you to the bone. Thanks for sharing, Teresa!
This hot cocoa mix sounds delicious 😀
Great work!
Love a bit of spice 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Latest: Double Nutella Brownie Cheesecake Bites
I love these original style cocoa drinks. We used to sell them bake in the wine store I worked at, but it’s great to have a recipe now. Thanks Teresa!
As I have long known about your penchant for hot cocoa in your coffee, I also know that this has got to be a terrific recipe. That bit of spicy burn is what makes it so so good.
ooooh! look at your chocolate Teresa! i love that it’s processed in Nashville. very cool.
Yes, Kristy, Olive & Sinclair is something for Nashvillians to be proud of, wonderful chocolates, award-winning packaging and a great product to use when baking. Check out their website.
So Simple So Good!
Wow, this would be a lovely gift – I am sad that i’ve given up coffee during pregnancy (for a good cause though!) and just six months to go. I love the way you describe the scent as both earthy and ethereal.
Those who know me know I am a high-octane coffee addict. I am also a fan of the hot and spicy. For this post, I love you TT, thanks,
-T
A cup of spicy chocolate deliciousness. Beautiful.
Hello Teresa! I’m crazy about hot chocolate, any time of the year ,and this one sounds so exciting. I wish I could find real Mexican chocolate where I live. I can make this with regular chocolate though!
Thanks!
Wow, looks delicious.. I love to taste the cocoa mix. Yeah me too Magda, i love hot chocolate, i love it when the weather is cold.. gotta miss hot choco..
Hey sister!
i’ve awarded you the versatile blogger award! You can claim it from my blog (no pressure though)… XO!
I love that cup, and it is delicious