Your Guide To Authentic Mexican Chocolate
The holidays are now upon us and people everywhere are reaching for hot cocoa to warm their chilly hands. This season, however, try taking a spicy new spin on the old American standby: authentic Mexican hot chocolate. Infused with cinnamon, chili peppers, and cocoa, Mexican chocolate is a unique delicacy. Unfortunately, few people who don’t hail from Mexico get to experience it. Read on to learn more about this tasty treat and how you can incorporate it into your own holiday traditions.
The History of Authentic Mexican Chocolate
Because it has a unique, somewhat gritty texture, one does not usually eat Mexican chocolate in its whole form. Rather, it is used as an ingredient in recipes, creating an unmistakable flavor. Traditionally, Mexicans use chocolate in baking and cooking. It sweetens cakes and goes into decadent savory dishes. While it is one of the more complex flavors of Mexican cuisine, chocolate shows up throughout the food culture of Mexico. It is used in a wide range of foods, from main courses to beverages and confectionary.
Distinctive, rich, and just a bit spicy, this unique chocolate originates from the cacao beans of South America. After the beans are collected, the producer roasts the nibs with cinnamon, sugar, allspice, and nutmeg, along with anything else they feel is fit to add.
While authentic Mexican chocolate is available at most grocery stores, it can also easily be ordered online. It is available in a variety of forms, such as bars, syrups, and powders, depending on what you’re using it for.
How to use Authentic Mexican Chocolate
If you’ve never cooked with Mexican chocolate before, one of the simplest ways to get started is to use it in a hot drink. Here’s what you’ll need:
2 ½ cups of milk
3 oz. Mexican chocolate cut into small chunks
Directions:
Place the chocolate chunks and the milk into a small or medium-sized saucepan.
Dissolve over low heat, stirring constantly. Once the chocolate has dissolved entirely, use a handheld immersion blender to froth the mixture for a thick, creamy texture.
Serve it hot, with a side of cinnamon sticks, or fried bread.
You can try other delicious recipes using authentic Mexican chocolate as well, such as a Mole sauce or chocolate cake.
Chocolate is one of the most unique and exciting ingredients Mexico has to offer when it comes to cooking and baking. Incorporating it into your own kitchen this holiday season is a fantastic way to bring some exotic flair to your traditional dishes.
Want to experience more authentic Mexican flavors this holiday season? Visit Benito’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant and try our “Mole Poblano” or “Enchiladas con Mole” for a delicious taste of Mexican Chocolate flavor!
