Both light and shadow are the dance of love. —Rumi
Here in the North, we have just passed Imbolc, the midway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. Here in this modern city, during these modern times, these markers and meanings so valued by and significant to our ancestors are mostly lost. All my life, Imbolc came and went; myself, blissfully unaware. But now as someone who spends an awful lot of time looking through a camera’s view finder, Imbolc has new meaning. The minute changes that accompany the slow but steady shift of seasons no longer pass unnoticed. With each passing day, the days are filled with more light and the sun’s path through the sky arcs higher. These changes affect the very nature of light itself before it makes its way through my kitchen window, casting shadows on my unsuspecting food scene. More importantly, although all appears lifeless looking out through the same window, I know that deep below the snow, life is stirring and nature is preparing for rebirth. There is hope of spring.
In Christianity, Imbolc is Candlemas and in Mexico, hot chocolate is traditionally served on this day. Coincidentally, I also like my hot chocolate the Mexican way, with a pinch of spice.
Spiced Hot Chocolate
(serves 5)
- 720 g (3 cups) milk of your choice
- 240 g (1 cup) additional milk of your choice or water (when using dairy milk, I prefer to dilute with water)
- 3 tbsp Camino fairly traded dark cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- whipping cream (optional)
- Mix all the ingredients in a saucepan.
- Bring to a slow simmer.
- Continue to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring to ensure no cocoa clumps remain.
- You may top with whipping cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Enjoy!
conifères & feuillus 
I appreciate your suggestion in this recipe. Thank You So Much @Annika.
Thank you and my pleasure!
I’m appreciating you to collect the best blog posts list for the users.
Thank you so much.
such great photos here! looks like from a catalog.
Thank you so much!
Looks lovely! And I’m sure it tastes just as good!
Lovely hot spiced chocolate!😋
I’ve never tried hot chocolate with cayenne, Ive tried cinnamon, I may have to be brave!
Delectable. I want to go make it right now, but it is noon so I think I shall wait awhile for the sake of decency. Hopelessly in love with your shoots. xx
I can imagine how lovely the spices make this hot chocolate! Brilliant.
They are the perfect addition to the classic hot chocolate! Thank you love. xx
very tempting
It is indeed! But super easy to make, hope you try it out. xx
Wow! What a beautiful presentation! I just love the idea of adding spice in here, thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you lovely. The addition of the spice comes from the traditional Mexican hot chocolate recipe. It is my favourite way to enjoy this beverage! xx
Definitely a crowd pleaser 👍
It definitely is! Thank you for stopping by. xx
this looks so good
Thank you so much Ruth. xx
Had to make your beautiful hot chocolate especially after seeing your post had my favourite poet, Rumi! Made this tonight for hubby and I and it was beautiful, the slight heat from the cayenne was a really delicious surprise. x
Thank you so much Faiza for visiting my blog. Rumi is one of my favourites as well. I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed it. xx
This sounds delicious and it looks even better 😍 Definitely going to be a weekend treat!
Thank you Liz. I think a swirl of whipping cream can make anything look better! Hope you enjoy it! xx
Your recipes seem all scrumptious and your photos are absolutely gorgeous! wow.
You are so sweet. Thank you so much. xx