Old Times Hot Chocolate recipe

     

    This is the most decadent, different, delicious  hot cocoa I have ever tasted. Made thick and creamy by the emulsified ground nuts, it pours beautifully. There is a hint of robust smoky spiciness lent by the dried chili pepper that compliments the chocolate, giving it a warm mouth feel no matter what temperature you serve it. The spice lingers on the back of the tongue, allowing the other flavors a turn. The anise is subtle, but with a distinct small bite, and traces of the cinnamon are there also. The annatto doesn’t have much flavor, but adds a wonderful rich depth of color.

Ingredients:

•  1/4 cup ground cocoa, unsweetened
•  1 dried chili pepper  ground or chopped fine
• 1 anise star
• 1/2 vanilla bean, or 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
•  2 tsp. almond flour
•  1 tsp.  hazelnut flour
•  2 Tbs. sugar
• 1 tsp. ground annatto for color    
• pinch of cayenne (optional)
• 2 cups milk

Instructions 

• Combine all the ingredients with the milk in a medium saucepan.
•  Heat gently for around 5 minutes, but do not bring to a boil. 
• Strain into cups, and enjoy!