Liddie’s Traditional New Mexican Dishes: Spicy Hot Chocolate

How to prepare Spicy Hot Chocolate. Video by Liddie Martinez

Spicy Hot Chocolate. Photo by Liddie Martinez

By LIDDIE MARTINEZ
Española Valley

Archeological evidence of chocolate cultivation dates back more than 4000 years in Meso America to the Olmecs who used it for medicine. The Mayan civilization expanded it use as a beverage, popular among the ruling class. Made from a mixture of chocolate, chile and corn meal, it was considered food of the gods.

I first experienced a drink like this called tascalate, while traveling with friends across the jungles in Chiapas, Mexico. The drink was quite spicy and thicker than the hot chocolate we are used to due to the corn meal that acts as a thickening agent.

It was an incredible experience to see the cacao bean harvested by locals and packaged for sale at small roadside vending stations along with local coffee. Two of life’s most perfect beverages growing side by side. Go visit Chiapas.

If the Mayan ruins, fascinating cultures, indigenous customs and ever encroaching jungles filled with fragrant flowers, rushing rivers and wonderous wildlife do not pull you back to this amazing region, the coffee and chocolate will.

I long for another visit but until the pandemic is behind us, let this spicy hot chocolate warm your senses; close your eyes and listen to that toucan calling from the treetops…

Spicy Hot Chocolate

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa

¼ cup brown sugar

¼ cup granulated sugar

½ tsp. ground cinnamon

½ – 1 tsp. pure red chile powder

¼ tsp. kosher salt

4 cups whole milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Combine dry ingredients in a wide pitcher or bowl. Scald milk and pour over dry ingredients, adding vanilla at the very end. Using a Mexican molinillo whip ingredients for two minutes or until frothy (you can also beat with hand mixer on low setting). Serve immediately in mugs.

Editor’s note: Liddie Martinez is the author of the popular Chile Line Cookbook: Historic Recipes of Northern New Mexico, which is available online at www.pajaritopress.com.

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