By Elise GabrieleSpecial to the Chronicle
As the weather begins to get colder do you ever notice yourself quickening your pace to get back to your dorm room or car? You can't wait to get back to the warmth of your room. Maybe taking a hot shower will nip the cold? Or putting on your fuzziest socks? Search no more for a cheap and simple solution.
What better way for you to hide from the cold than curling up under a blanket, watching old movies–might I suggest "Breakfast at Tiffany's"–and sipping this spicy yet comforting Mexican Hot Chocolate?
For two servings you'll need: -Two cups of regular milk (Soy works fine too) -Two tablespoons of granulated sugar or to taste -Four tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder -One- eighth teaspoon red chili powder (don't mix up your teaspoons and tablespoons or your mouth will be on fire) -One teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Add all of these ingredients together in your blender. Blend until all ingredients appear combined evenly. (This makes the liquid frothy, adding to the rich flavor of the finished cocoa). Once all of the ingredients are incorporated, put the pot on a burner, using medium to medium-high heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
Once the cocoa starts to bubble, turn the heat down to medium or medium-low to keep it warm. It may appear that you're done,… but what's hot chocolate without homemade whipped cream?
Dreamy, creamy, and spicy cocoa with a cloud of Homemade Cinnamon Whipped Cream. Yum.
All you need is: -Half a cup of heavy cream -One and a half teaspoons of confectioners' sugar -Half a teaspoon of vanilla extract -Half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
Blend these ingredients together with a hand mixer or stand mixer–whichever you prefer–until they form a thick, creamy consistency. This yields about a cup of whipped cream. If you don't feel like making too much of a mess in your dorm's kitchen, you can easily add the cinnamon to packaged whipped cream. It's as simple as that!
Finally the moment we've all been salivating over: pour your Mexican hot chocolate into two large mugs. Perhaps you can share with your roommate. Smother the top of your cocoa with as much whipped cream as you like. Go ahead pile it high. Sprinkle more cinnamon or grind up some of your favorite cookies as added topping. Oreo's are perfect. And there you have it. You've given your chilly fall day the kick it needed to transition from luke-warm to muy caliente in just minutes.