Mexican Hot Chocolate

Do you have a little food indulgence that you hoard to yourself? Something that just makes your day? Well I used to...Ibarra Mexican Chocolate. Chocolate that makes the best mochas on the face of the planet. Oh, I still love it, but since my 8yo has discovered it, it's just that it is no long just mine to enjoy.



I was first introduced to Mexican chocolate years and years ago, even before I had my latte habit. I was offered some at my husband's Christmas party hosted at his employer's home. They were all enjoying their lattes but of course, I...at the time...didn't like coffee, so the hostess offered me a mug of steamed Mexican hot chocolate. It was the best thing I had ever tasted. Topped with whipped cream as I remember, it was a dessert in itself. Now my favorite way to enjoy it is with a shot of espresso to tame down the sweetness and usually sans whipped cream, not that I wouldn't want it that way.



There are powdered commercial mixes out there but my favorite Mexican chocolate brand is Ibarra. It comes in a box which contains circular disks of the chocolate which is no more than chocolate, sugar, and cinnamon. But the taste combo is fantastic. I happen to have a micro plane zester, so I simply grate a serving of chocolate and pour it straight into my steamed milk. It dissolves almost instantly. Alternatively, your milk can be heated with the serving of chocolate in it. About the time the milk is warm, the chocolate has softened and then it can be whisked thoroughly to incorporate it.



No matter how you prepare it, nothing can beat it as a perfect hot chocolate or a mocha drink. But if you ask my 8yo, she enjoys it just as much chomping it down straight.

Do you have a favorite food treat? Has it caught on with your family and friends? It will be interesting to see what we all come up with.