Mayan Hot Chocolate

Directions

1. 1
   Add chili pepper to 2 cups boiling water.
2. 2
   Cook until liquid is reduced to 1 cup.
3. 3
   Remove chili pepper; strain for stray seeds, and set aside.
4. 4
   In a medium-size saucepan, combine cream or milk, vanilla bean and cinnamon stick.
5. 5
   Heat over medium flame until bubbles appear around the edge.
6. 6
   Reduce heat to low.
7. 7
   Add chocolate and sugar or honey.
8. 8
   Whisk occasionally until chocolate is melted and sugar dissolves.
9. 9
   Turn off heat.
10. 10
    Remove vanilla bean and cinnamon stick, stir in ground almonds or hazelnuts.
11. 11
    Carefully add the chili pepper infusion, a little at a time, making sure the flavour isn't too strong.
12. 12
    If chocolate is too thick, thin with a little more milk.