Hot drinks for cold days

Here in Denver these days it is absolutely freezing. I know, I know. We hear it all the time. Yes, we do live in Rockey Mountains but NO, Denver isn't usually bitter cold. What most people don't know is that Colorado has an average of 300 days of sun every year. That means that even when it snows, the sun usually shines soon after and melts away most of the snow. When you hear about all the snow dumping in Colorado, it is probably happening in the mountains.....like at the ski resorts. But seriously, here in Denver winter is generally pretty mild. Since I grew up in western Pennsylvania I have something to compare it to, and for sure, winters there are worse!! Anyway, back to my point. It's cold here for December.....unusually cold! So, ever since we got off the plane last Friday night we've been thinking a lot about ways to get warm.

(photo courtesy of Denver Dwellings on Flickr)

Of course, fireplaces, space heaters and snuggly blankets help, but there is nothing like a hot drink on a cold day. In Guatemala we discovered 2 hot drinks that we can now no longer live without. A day or so ago I blogged about Guatemalan Hot Chocolate, a definite must for a snowy day. We also became huge fans of Te Chirrepeco (tea). It's sold in these cute little red and yellow boxes with loose tea inside - enough to make a big pot of tea. Add a cinnamon stick and wah-lah! - instant warmth!

If you won't be able to make it to Guatemala and aren't lucky enough to come on over to our apartment to try some, you can find a decent substitute for the hot chocolate in your local supermarket. Look in your Mexican food aisle for "Abuelita" made by Nestle. As for a good substitute for Te Chirrepeco........good luck! It's one of a kind!

Directions for making Superior Hot Chocolate:
*(Makes about 10 cups of hot chocolate)
Fill a sauce pan with an inch or two of water and bring to a boil.
Add 1 bar of chocolate to boiling water and stir constantly until melted.
Stir in 8-10 cups of milk (or more if you like it a little less sweet).
Heat, but don't boil, and enjoy!

* It's also possible to make Chocolate Simple (just leave out the milk and add water) or Chocolate Pure (melt the chocolate down with only an inch or two of water).

* If you only want a cup or two of hot chocolate, just use a smaller piece of chocolate.

Directions for making Te Chirrepeco:
*(makes 10-12 cups of tea)
Boil 10-12 cups of water
Add loose tea leaves
Drop in a stick of cinnamon
Steep & Enjoy!

*If you only want a cup or two of tea, use less tea and only a small piece of cinnamon.