Mexican Hot Chocolate

Winter has come out in full force this year. I will admit, I have done a teeny-tiny bit of complaining about missing snow. We were traveling to Texas for the holidays and we missed the first big snow here in North Carolina. Texas had theirs at the beginning of December. I guess you could say I was feeling a little bit left out. Winter Pax has filled that hole. We have six inches and preparing for a few more today. I am thankful we did our grocery shopping Tuesday and we have been able to hole up in our little house and keep safe and warm, for now.

I am so thankful we have power and are able to stay warm. I know Ethan was so thankful for this hot chocolate. I couldn't help but mix up a special batch to surprise him with. He came back in the kitchen and said, "How much more of this did you make?!" I crushed his excitement with, "Just that cup," which was big enough for this entire recipe. I could see his sadness immediately, I let him know that I could whip up another batch in 5 minutes flat, whenever his heart desires.

If you need to warm anyone up or just warm their heart, this is the way.
Source: slightly adapted from, Ina Garten, via Food Network

Ingredients:
2 cups of Whole Milk
1 tablespoon of Light Brown Sugar
1/2 cup of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/8 teaspoon of Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
The smallest pinch of Cayenne
Optional Garnishes: Cinnamon stick

Directions:
First, in a medium saucepan, heat the milk and brown sugar until simmering.

When simmering, remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Add in the smallest pinch of cayenne, taste and add more if needed.

Stir with cinnamon stick, if desired.

Enjoy!

Happy Cooking,
The Barbee Housewife