Drinks: Hot Chocolate

2 cups water

1/4 cup high quality cocoa powder *

3 ounces vegan bittersweet chocolate *

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon ancho chile powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile flakes

Boil the water in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Add the cocoa power and whisk to combine. Cut the heat and add the chocolate, sugar and all seasonings. Let the pot sit for a few minutes to give the chocolate a chance to melt, then whisk to combine.

Strain your cocoa with a fine sieve to remove the chile flakes and enjoy. This can also be chilled and re-heated later in the microwave or on the stove.

* Choosing a Chocolate: Choosing a chocolate can be complicated by the fact that along Africa's Ivory Coast, where over 40% of the world's chocolate is produced, slavery (including child slavery) may be employed. We encourage people to buy chocolate that is fair-trade, organic or from a company who can confirm their chocolate (including cocoa beans) are not from the Ivory Coast.

Recipe courtesy of Elise Fineberg