Hot Chocolate - South American Style

This is a traditional South American chocolate drink, but to market it well I made it hot chocolate, even though in the old days, South Americans didn't drink it hot. The recipe uses chili powder, and I used red bell pepper to match the sweetness of the chocolate. This is a good way to bring an old recipe into today.

• Preparation Time: 5 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 165 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups milk
• ¼ cup Dutch process cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
• 2 tablespoons cherry brandy

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

In a saucepan over low heat, stir together the sugar, cocoa powder and chili powder. Cook and stir for 5 minutes. Add water and bell pepper strips, and mix well. Bring to a simmer, and stir in milk. When the mixture is heated to your liking, remove the pepper strips with a slotted spoon. Add cherry brandy if using, and serve.