Hot Drink

When the use of chocolate became common in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, chocolaterías opened in Madrid, serving hot chocolate to weary voyagers and the homeless. In Spain, the warming elixir is distinguished by the addition of spice, but especially by its rich, frothy texture, achieved by heating and beating it several times. Traditionally, a wooden hand mill called a molinillo is used, but a whisk works as well.

A lovely change of pace from café au lait, cappuccino, or hot chocolate, and lower in fat and calories, too.

Strong coffee, spices, Triple Sec and brandy combine deliciously in a favorite New Orleans after-dinner drink.

This recipe should be made with traditional Sicilian chocolate (which contains wheat starch) as made by L'Antica Dolceria Bonajuto in Modica, Italy. It's available via their website at http://ragusaonline.com/bonajuto/_index.htm