Ancient Aztec Cacahuatl Recipes

ANCIENT AZTEC CACAHUATL

Steps:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine half-and-half and vanilla bean; heat until mixture comes to a simmer.
• Decrease heat to low; add in chocolate and cocoa powder; whisk to combine.
• Simmer 5-10 minutes, or until mixture coats the back of a spoon (watch closely so that is does no boil over).
• Add in the chile powder, a little at a time, to taste; stir in the honey and blend; discard the vanilla bean.
• Pour hot chocolate into 8 small cups; top with the whipped cream and slivered almonds.

XOCOLATL (AZTEC CHOCOLATE)

Steps:

• Bring 1 1/2 cup water to a boil in a pot; add the chili pepper, seeds included, to the boiling water and cook at a boil for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain the chili pepper and seeds from the water; return the water to the pot. Add 4 cups water to the chili pepper-infused water, reduce heat to medium-low, and bring to a slow boil. Stir the cocoa powder and vanilla extract into the boiling water; cook and stir until the powder dissolves completely, 5 to 10 minutes.