Sunday, January 6, 2013

Aztec Hot Chocolate


I love recipes that can be put into the Crockpot and forgotten about while I get other things done.  Taking down the holiday decorations has been a real chore this year because of the added stress of caring for my ailing mother, so I was pleased to find this recipe on the Better Homes and Gardens website.  Hot chocolate that will slowly warm, scent the house, and be there waiting for me when I need fortification and to put my feet up is all right in my book; this was just the ticket.  Smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet, I’ve never experienced a cup of hot chocolate quite like this one.  The melding of flavors is so perfect that no one particular ingredient stands out, instead they all blend together to create a creamy, delicious, warm and spicy cup of adult cocoa that calms and excites at the same time.

Aztec Hot Chocolate

4 cups milk
2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
1 teaspoon instant espresso coffee powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground chipotle chile pepper
1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate pieces
Dollops of whipped cream (optional)
Ground cinnamon (optional)

In a large bowl combine milk, half-and-half, coffee powder, the 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and the ground chipotle chile pepper. If desired, cover bowl and chill for up to 24 hours. Transfer mixture to a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker. Stir in chocolate pieces. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 4 hours or on high-heat setting for 2 hours, whisking vigorously once halfway through cooking time. Serve immediately or keep warm on warm setting or low-heat setting for up to 2 hours.  Before serving, whisk well. To serve, ladle beverage into heatproof mugs or cups. If desired, garnish each serving with whipped cream and/or sprinkle with additional cinnamon.

4 comments:

Tracy's Living Cookbook said...

Chipotle pepper? Interesting, and I bet it give the cocoa a really nice warm flavor. I just posted my first link-up on my blog. I would love to have you come over and share a favorite meatless meal!

Ivy, Phyllis and Me! said...

Good evening Pattie, This is definitely a drink for me. What a treat, after doing my housework, to know there was this delicious treat at the end.....you know, it would probably spur me on, to finish more quickly. Have a good day, Best Wishes Daphne

Linda said...

Oh my! It looks so delicious. :)

Lori E said...

I have had this before and it is absolutely amazing. I love coffee more than chocolate strangely enough.