
AZTEC HOT CHOCOLATE
Prep Time: 5 mins Cooking Time: 0 Serves: 6Cacao has been consumed as a drink for thousands of years in Central America. This recipe is based on a typical Aztec beverage, using 100% cacao water, a couple of spoonfuls of raw cane sugar and a hint of chilli. The light heat from the chilli helps open the subtle chocolate flavours. I have used ancho chilli, which is mild, but the Aztecs would have used many other types with varying heats.This is hot chocolate in a whole new light: a lot more flavours, a lot less sugar and as healthy as it gets! Experiment to suit your taste and mood and create your own Aztec Hot Chocolate Recipe. Use honey instead of sugar if you preferred.

Method
Tip the cacao, water, chilli and achiote powder, if using, into a saucepan
Bring to the boil stirring frequently, then immediately lower the heat and simmer gently for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
Whisk well to create a light foam, ideally in an electric blender
Serve piping hot in small cups, or leave to cool a little and serve, as the Aztecs would have done, at room temperature.