How to Make Hot Chocolate Mayan Style

Ancient Maya called the cocoa tree “cacahuatquchtl” and believed it was the only tree worth naming. They felt the tree was from the Gods and that the cocoa pods were the Gods' gifts to humans. Mayan chocolate is mentioned in hieroglyphics and was depicted on their and religious implements and architectural structures. In four surviving texts found from the post-classical Mayan period Mayan chocolate was referred to as food to the Gods. Mayan chocolate was instrumental in many of the religious and ceremonial practices. The Mayans were the originators of brewing a bitter Mayan chocolate drink with the Cacao beans. Mayan texts describe the drink made from Mayan chocolate as a luxury only afforded to the noble and wealthy to enjoy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 chili pepper cut in half, seeds removed (with gloves)
• 5 cups light cream, or whole or nonfat milk
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 1 to 2 cinnamon sticks
• 8 oz. bittersweet chocolate or
• 3 tablets Mexican chocolate, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 2 tbs. sugar or honey, or to taste
• 1 tbs. almonds or hazelnuts, ground extra fine
• Whipped cream

1. Add chili pepper to boiling water in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Cook until liquid is reduced to 1 cup.
3. Remove chili pepper; strain water and set aside.
4. Combine cream or milk, vanilla bean and cinnamon stick in a medium saucepan over medium heat, and cook until bubbles appear around the edge.
5. Reduce heat to low and add chocolate and sugar or honey. Whisk occasionally until chocolate is melted and sugar dissolves.
6. Turn off heat and remove vanilla bean and cinnamon stick.
7. Add chili-infused water, a little at a time, tasting to make sure the flavor isn't too strong. If chocolate is too thick, thin with a little more milk.
8. Serve in small cups and offer ground almonds or hazelnuts and whipped cream.

Tips & Warnings

• The Mayan did not use sugar and milk in their chocolate drinks, but it makes for a better taste.