Mexican Hot Chocolate

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Baby, it's cold outside...[/typography]

This post is dedicated to my abuelita, Mama Juana, for her passion, love and the delicious treats she makes for us.

My abuelita's introduction to this decadent beverage began in a little pueblo in Michoacán, Mexico where she used it as an easy, affordable and delicious way to feed her six kids {and counting} for breakfast. To this day, she will peek her head in our offices and eagerly ask me, “mija, quieres chocolate con pan?” and I will always answer her, “por supuesto Mama Juana.” Gosh, I’m feeling very fortunate at this very moment…

So what’s so special about Mexican hot chocolate? Well, you get the rich and bold flavors from the dark Mexican chocolate with just a hint of spice and cinnamon to trigger your senses. Go ahead, I dare you to try… Ole!

{Past and present abuelita. Isn't she stunning?!}

{Frothing the hot chocolate with a wooden molinillo}

{Ole! Le finished product}

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="20" size_format="px"]Mexican Hot Chocolate[/typography]

Directions:

Combine 2 ½ cups milk (about 5 ounces), one cinnamon stick and coarsely chopped Mexican chocolate, such as Ibarra or Abuelita, in a pot. Turn on the stove to a medium-high level. Put a wooden molinillo in the pot and begin whipping the chocolate by rolling the handle quickly back and forth between your palms {a whisk or an electric beater will work just as well}.

The movement is a little like rubbing your palms against each other to warm them in cold weather — only here the molinillo’s wooden handle is between them. After a few minutes of vigorous beating, dip a spoon into the mixture to make sure the chocolate has dissolved (they’ll always be a few bits of chocolate on the bottom) and the mixture is foamy.

p.s. Pair with a toasted bolillo {Mexican roll} to dip the bread in the chocolate and you’ll be in heaven!

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Happy Friday mis amores! xo[/typography]

Fall Food Aphrodisiacs

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Get inspired this Fall with seasonal food aphrodisiacs. Here are my top choices to awaken your senses and get you in the mood for this holiday season...[/typography]

Pumpkin Pie ...

Who doesn’t love pumpkin pie? I hate to think that this is such a seasonal dessert. Recent studies suggest that the aroma and taste of this Thanksgiving staple was found to increase penile blood flow by 40 percent and was also found to increase sexual desire in women. This Fall favorite seems to conjure up happy memories and a feeling of comfort and safety, making it a #winning combination.

{Baked} Sweet Potato Fries …

These are pretty much an addiction for me. Not only do I love the sweet & savory sensation it brings to the palette but they are also a healthier alternative to your basic, overly salted fries. Now that we’re heading into the holiday season, this is a super appropriate snack or side dish that is packed with seasonal flavors in every bite. Oh yes, and totally drool worthy...

Figs {oh, glorious figs!} …

Alternating from fresh figs to fig jam {with toast} has been a recent favorite breakfast item of mine.  Pair it with a steaming cup of jasmine blossom tea and you will instantly feel rejuvenated and comforted, giving you that energy boost for the rest of the day.

Mexican Hot Chocolate …

Wow, I don’t think I have enough words to describe what this decadent hot beverage does to me. You get the rich and bold flavors from the dark Mexican Chocolate with just a hint of spice to trigger your senses. Dip a bolillo {Mexican bread} in the hot chocolate and this will soon be a favorite combo. Since cocoa is the prime ingredient behind this lusty behavior, the darker the chocolate, the better… 

Cinnamon {Rolls} …

I simply adore all things cinnamon. Cinnamon is so sexy and sensual and I love the aroma, the taste and the feeling you get when you’re surrounded by this enticing and alluring spice. Your senses will be instantly awakened and heightened, causing an instant boost of confidence. All eyes will be on you...

{Pictures 1-5 via Pinterest}

Cabernet Sauvignon {for all you winos} ...

As the weather gets colder I seem to gravitate toward this bigger, fuller bodied wine paired with a variety of decadent chocolate desserts. Classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons are quite sexy and velvety, providing dark and luscious characteristics that tantalize the tongue and your senses. 

So there you have it ladies AND gentlemen. Get in the mood and explore these glorious Fall food aphrodisiacs. You never know, you might just have some fun… Ole!

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Happy Friday amigos! x[/typography]