Ingredients and Weight:
- Dark chocolate - 500 grams (1 pound)
- Cacao butter - 100 grams (3.5 ounces)
- Full-fat milk powder - 200 grams (7 ounces)
- Cinnamon powder - 2 tablespoons
- Ancho chili powder - 1 tablespoon
- Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
- Sea salt - Pinch size
- Maple syrup or honey - As needed (to taste)
- Fresh cocoa nibs or almond slices for topping - 1 cup
Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 2 hours (including resting time)
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate with the cacao butter until smooth and combined.
- Add the milk powder and mix well until no lumps remain.
- Stir in the cinnamon, ancho chili powder, and vanilla extract.
- Add sea salt and adjust the flavor with maple syrup or honey to achieve a sweet and spicy balance.
- Continue cooking on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
- Pour the hot chocolate into individual cups and top with cocoa nibs or almond slices.
- Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
Calories: Approx. 400-500 (depending on the addition of maple syrup or honey)
Fat: High (from chocolate and cacao butter)
Carbohydrates: From chocolate and sweetener
Fiber: Good source (from cocoa nibs or almonds)
Dish Characteristics:
- Rich and creamy due to the use of high-quality chocolate and cacao butter.
- Spicy and sweet, with a unique Mayan flavor profile from the ancho chili powder and cinnamon.
- Topped with crunchy cocoa nibs or almond slices for a contrasting texture.
User Comments:
- "This is the best hot chocolate I have ever had! The combination of flavors is amazing."
- "I love the spiciness from the ancho chili powder, it gives the hot chocolate a unique flavor."
- "The cocoa nibs on top provide a great crunchy contrast to the creamy hot chocolate."
- "The preparation is quite simple, but the result is impressive."
- "This dish is perfect for colder weather, very comforting."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of ancho chili powder according to your preference for spice level.
- If you can't find cacao butter, you can substitute with regular butter, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- This dish is quite rich, so it's best to enjoy it as a treat or in smaller portions.
