One of my favorite holiday memories from my childhood is spending the holiday season in Oaxaca, Mexico. My family travel-trailered all around Mexico the winter of my 5th grade year – with Mom homeschooling us along the way. That trip to Mexico has always fueled a taste for the spicy side of things – and this recipe for Oaxacan Coffee (or hot cocoa) is one of my favorite winter drinks. The recipe is easy – and can be made in batches for homemade cheap holiday gifts.

  • 1/2 cup dark cocoa,
  • 3/4 cup sugar,
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder,
  • 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder,
  • 1/4 teaspoon chipolte powder,
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.

Mix all the dry ingredients together – and store in a sealed container (a glass canning jar or a tupperware container).

Add 2 tablespoons of mixture to morning coffee. ( or to a glass of hot milk or water if coffee isn’t your thing.) Topping with whipped cream and sprinkling a little cinnamon may seem a little to Martha-Stewartish – but it is the holidays after all – you deserve that extra special touch. :)  Enjoy!