Warm from the inside with Spicy Aztec Chocolate Milk

We have been drinking hot chocolate here on Earth for thousands of years. The very first cup was probably made by the Maya about 2,500-3,000 years ago. Via Mexico it ended up in Europe where it was even prescribed as a medicine until the 19th century against , among other things, liver disease and abdominal pain.

Hmm... now we'd like to believe that a cup of hot chocolate will make you feel better, even if it's just a little warmer. But preferably with real good Spicy Aztec Chocolate Milk! Here's the recipe for a cold winter's day, when you've made new footsteps through the crackling snow, got a red nose and can hardly feel your fingers from throwing snowballs.

Is there no snow? Then put on this video.

Download here the handy save PDF and you always have the recipe at hand.

Ingredients

Quantity: 4 cups
Preparation time: 10 min

1 liter of whole milk
250 gr dark chocolate, at least 70% cocoa
1 tsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
1-2 pinches of cayenne powder
1 tbsp cornstarch (makes it soft and full)
1 pinch of salt
1 bag (mini) marshmallows
4 cinnamon sticks, cocoa powder, star anise, caramel sauce, peanut crumbs (optional = garnish)*

Preparation method

First heat the milk with sugar (do not let it boil).
Stir in the chocolate bit by bit until it dissolves in the milk.
Then add the cinnamon powder, cayenne powder, cornstarch and a pinch of salt.
Taste and adjust as needed with some sugar or pepper.
Serve in a large mug and a cinnamon stick. Top with a generous layer of marshmallows and some cocoa powder.

*vary with the ingredients and garnish. Create your own tradition with your personal version.

TIP 1 If you use the chocolate milk as a nightcap, add a dash of rum. Do you just want to wake up? Substitute some of the milk for a strong espresso.

TIP 2 Instead of marshmallows you can top the milk with a thick dollop of whipped cream.

Chocolate

It is often claimed that dark chocolate is good for health. It would have a beneficial effect on heart and blood vessels. Although some studies show that there is indeed a positive effect and that it makes you happy because it releases endorphins in your brain when you eat it. Unfortunately, it also contains quite a lot of saturated fat and calories.

Cinnamon

In addition to a wonderful smell and taste, cinnamon is a spice that has many good medicinal properties. Cinnamon drink is also drunk in the Arab countries when it is cold. In the past, sweet oats were made with cinnamon, ginger and allspice because it aided digestion. Long story short, the effects attributed to cinnamon: antiseptic, astringent, warming, antispasmodic, against flatulence.

cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper is rich in vitamins A and C, has the complete complexes of vitamin B, and is very rich in organic calcium and potassium. That is one of the reasons why the spicy stuff is good for the heart, stomach and intestines.