Venezuelan Spiced Hot Chocolate Recipes

SPICED HOT CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• Sift all ingredients together into a large bowl. Whisk the mixture together to be sure the spices are evenly distributed.
• To serve, stir 3 tablespoons of the mix into 1½ cups (12 ounces) of hot milk. Serve in large mugs. Store the remaining mix in a tightly-sealed jar.
• Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with the back of a knife. Combine the sugar, vanilla pod and seeds together and store in an airtight container for at least 1 week before using.

SPICED HOT CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, warm the milk, curry powder, and cardamom pods over medium heat, stirring every now and then so it doesn't burn.
• Meanwhile, spoon the cocoa powder into a measuring cup. Once you see little bubbles forming around the perimeter of the saucepan, the milk is hot; turn off the heat. Pour a little milk, about 1 cup, into the cocoa powder, and whisk until smooth. Add back to the saucepan, and whisk in the honey and salt. Stir until well combined.
• Pour the hot chocolate through a strainer into 4 individual mugs and top with marshmallows, if you like.

VENEZUELAN SPICED HOT CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• Combine milk with spices and sugar in a large heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar, until milk just starts to bubble around the edges (scalding). Lower heat and cook 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to steep 10 additional minutes, then strain into another large heavy pot. Heat gently, then add chocolate and rum (add rum off flame). Whisk briskly 5 minutes over low flame until chocolate is completely melted.