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cinnamon & chili laced hot chocolate

also known as mexican hot chocolate….

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That magical smell of chocolate and cinnamon always brings me back to my childhood.

Every time I drink this I make sure I have on my fuzzy slippers, comfy pajama pants, and my big fluffy robe. For a more picturesque moment, it would be snowing outside…

My mom use to make this all the time when we were little. Thats when we officially knew the holidays were here. She would stand at the kitchen stove stirring a small pot of evaporated milk with a cinnamon stick floating in it.

Yes… you read that correctly… we drank our hot chocolate with evaporated milk. It was rich and delicious!

Here’s what you need for this rich & creamy drink:

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  • 12 oz 2% milk (or evaporated milk if your feeling a little wild)
  • 1 disk of Abuelita chocolate
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tsp chili powder (optional)

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In a small pot, combine chocolate, chili powder, and cinnamon stick.

Add milk and bring to medium heat. Stir constantly until chocolate is completely dissolved.

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Once chocolate is dissolved, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for additional 20-30 minutes stirring occasionally.

The longer this cooks, the more cinnamon and chili flavor you’ll taste.

Trust me when I tell you these flavors are magical! Be prepared to feel warm and fuzzy inside 🙂

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What’s your favorite childhood drink?

20 Responses

  1. Coffee and a Book Chick said on November 10, 2010 at 8:41 am

    I haven’t had this in ages — thanks for the reminder, and I will definitely make sure to have the comfy slippers on! 🙂

  2. Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) said on November 10, 2010 at 8:43 am

    Yes please! I loved hot chocolate!!! I love the cup and saucer you used. This is perfect!

  3. Kasey said on November 10, 2010 at 8:43 am

    That cup of hot chocolate looks heavenly! I can totally picture myself drinking it with my cozy robe & fluffy slippers. I’ve never had cinnamon + chili but I’m definitely curious to try.

  4. Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman said on November 10, 2010 at 8:51 am

    Oh goodness Estela–giving me a massive chocolate craving at 9 AM. 🙂 This looks amazing.

    ps…thanks for your comment. I’m glad to hear your friends with Lyme feel better. It gives me hope!

  5. Jessica @ How Sweet said on November 10, 2010 at 8:52 am

    This sounds INCREDIBLE. I must try it.

  6. Michele @ Healthy Cultivations said on November 10, 2010 at 9:43 am

    I so love cinnamon and chocolate together. This looks like a great treat.

  7. Maria said on November 10, 2010 at 10:08 am

    Great way to warm up!

  8. Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary) said on November 10, 2010 at 10:08 am

    My Mom has those dishes ?! I grew up seeing that green floral pattern ;D I love it E! And the drink sounds heavanly!

  9. Estela @ Weekly Bite said on November 10, 2010 at 10:17 am

    Your mom has the same dishes? Too funny! I bought them at a thrift/antique shop 🙂

  10. Lindsay @ The Ketchup Diaries said on November 10, 2010 at 10:40 am

    I love hearing about foods from others’ childhoods! I’ve never done the chili powder and chocolate thing, but I bet I’d love it.

  11. Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg said on November 10, 2010 at 10:53 am

    Mmmmmm….I had a friend in grad school who was from Mexico, and she used to make the BEST Mexican hot chocolate. I still miss it. And her. But really the hot chocolate. 🙂

  12. Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun said on November 10, 2010 at 10:54 am

    LOVE Mexican hot chocolate. I like the varying flavors and it makes the chocolate more intense tasting in a way.

  13. Chicago Cuisine Critique said on November 10, 2010 at 11:00 am

    Sounds awesome! 🙂

  14. Cookin' Canuck said on November 10, 2010 at 12:32 pm

    Gorgeous! With snow in the forecast today, a mug of this would be very welcome.

  15. emily (a nutritionist eats) said on November 10, 2010 at 2:09 pm

    I’m all for condensed milk! We had condensed milk(or evaporated, not sure) in Haiti with coffee…amazing!

  16. J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) said on November 10, 2010 at 2:24 pm

    Yum! Fresh hot chocolate is amazing!

  17. Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday said on November 10, 2010 at 3:46 pm

    That looks amazing! I love love LOVE rich hot chocolate. That powdery crap made with water is just a waste of stomach real estate.

  18. Morgan said on November 10, 2010 at 7:12 pm

    yum, this looks amazing!

  19. Kristen said on November 10, 2010 at 9:06 pm

    This looks so rich and delicious. Yum!

  20. Diana @ frontyardfoodie said on November 10, 2010 at 11:12 pm

    I’ve used cinnamon in savory dishes but never chili in sweet ones! I’m going to make this (or a vegan version of this) for the first snow. I love hot coco on a cold and white day.

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