Chocolate’s 4,000-year history began in ancient Mesoamerica, present-day Mexico. The Olmec, one of the earliest civilizations in Latin America, were the first to turn the cacao plant into chocolate. They drank their chocolate during rituals and used it as medicine. Centuries later, the Mayans praised chocolate as the drink of the gods. Mayan chocolate was a revered brew of roasted and ground cacao seeds mixed with chillies, water and cornmeal. Mayans poured this mixture from one pot to another, creating a thick, foamy beverage called “xocolatl”, meaning “bitter water.” The Spanish brought chocolate to Europe, making it a luxury drink with milk and sugar, the chocolate we all love today.
This is a traditional recipe that goes back to the Aztec days. Dark chocolate, sugar, cinnamon and a hint of chilli make this a decadent ice cream with a hint of pleasing heat. The sugar tempers the bitterness of the chocolate, and the heat from the chillies and spices is beautiful. This is definitely an ice cream you want seconds of.
This is my go-to book for ice cream, sorbets, and everything frozen. The recipes are always fabulous. I sometimes have to hide this book, so I do not make too many goodies. If there is one ice cream book you need, this is it!
For more fabulous recipes from this cookbook, click here.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups cream
1 1/4 cup full-fat milk
6 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2-3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 - 1 teaspoon ancho or chipotle chilli powder
2 tablespoons brandy
Dulce de leche, drizzle to serve
Add the cream, milk, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and 1/2 cup sugar to a pot and heat on a low flame. Stir continually until the sugar and chocolates have melted completely. Taste for sweetness and adjust as needed.
Let it cool slightly, then add the vanilla, salt, cinnamon, chilli, and brandy. Mix well and taste again. The mix should be a lovely balance of bitter-sweet with a hint of chilli.
Churn in your ice cream maker on the ice cream setting.
Serve with dulce de leche drizzled on top.