I was out making the trek to the top of Chocolate Drop Spiral Path at Castle Hot Springs in preparation for our upcoming Refresh, Reset, Rejuvenate Retreat, It made me think of, and long for, a Spiced Drinking Chocolate beverage that I really love. The fragrance and taste are, in my opinion, nothing short of magical. It is great alone or as a decadent dessert tea.
To make 6 generous mugs of this Spiced Chocolate, combine:
3 T. raw cacao powder
3 T. dried chamomile buds
2 T. dried peppermint leaves
3 Star Anise pods
2-3 cinnamon sticks
Mix together and put into a pan or dish that has a lid.
In another pan, heat 4.5 cups water and 4.5 cups milk of choice to simmering. Pour the water/milk mixture over the dry ingredients. Cover and let steep 5-10 minutes. Strain.
Put one teaspoon of raw honey in the bottom of each mug. Add a pinch of ancho chili powder, if desired.
To make a single serving, heat ¾ cup water with ¾ cup milk of choice to simmering. Pour the water/milk over 1 T of the cacao mixture in a mug. Cover and let steep 5-10 minutes. Strain.
Pour into one mug with one teaspoon honey. Sprinkle with cinnamon and a pinch of ancho chili powder, if desired.