Spicy Maple Hot Cocoa

• 2 1/2 Cwhole milk

• 6 Tbsp Dutch process cocoa

• 2–3 Tbsp maple syrup

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp chili powder

• 1/4 tsp ground cayenne

• pinch sea salt

• 1/2 C heavy whipping cream (optional)

• cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)

1. Pour the milk into a medium-sized sauce pan and set over medium-low heat. Whisk in the chocolate, maple syrup and spices.

2. Continue whisking occasionally until milk is hot and steamy.

3. Meanwhile, whisk the heavy whipping cream to soft peaks.

4. Pour steaming hot chocolate into mugs, add a dollop of whipped cream and a cinnamon stick, and finish with a pinch of chili powder.

*This recipe makes a heavy chocolate drink. Dilute with more milk if it’s too much. This is not a sweet cocoa, so add more maple syrup for a sweeter drink.