ski day hot chocolate

cinnamon, cayenne, and cornmeal

inspired by champurrado, this hot chocolate is spiced with cinnamon and cayenne powder and thickened with cornmeal for an almost pudding-like texture

yields two small cups

ingredients

2 tsp cocoa powder

3-4 tsp demerara sugar (to taste)

200mL boiling water

200mL oat milk

3 tsp cornmeal

generous pinch each of cinnamon and salt

optional: dash of cayenne powder

method

add the cocoa powder (2 tsp) and sugar (3-4 tsp, to taste) to a saucepan off the heat

slowly pour in the boiling water (200mL), whisking constantly

add the milk (200mL) and whisk to combine over medium heat

once the mixture is simmering energetically, sprinkle over the cornmeal (3 tsp), cinnamon, salt and cayenne (pinch each) and whisk to combine

turn the heat to medium-low

cook, whisking frequently, until the hot chocolate has notably thickened (about 10 minutes)

pour into two mugs and let stand for a few minutes

best enjoyed after coming in from a cold morning ski