Although I am not originally from Santa Fe, I have lived here long enough to have fully assimilated into the culture of this mystical and magical city. Santa Fe is truly unique. The community is eclectic and cosmopolitan, but retains a small town feel. Everyone knows everyone or knows someone who does. It is a quiet city where almost everything closes around 9:00 pm. Because of this, a culture of private gatherings and dinners at friends’ houses is the main source of social interaction.
Cooking is really important. And if you don’t cook, you need to meet the best caterers or private chefs. For most of us, cooking for our friends is the only way to go. It somehow establishes who you are by the quality, variety and excellence of the food. So, it goes without saying, cooking is something to strive for. I am a born cook and after almost 30 years in Santa Fe I believe that I have created and compiled some of the best recipes.
Another oddity of Santa Fe cuisine is that meals do not consist of one or two things. Basically they are a great assortment of “tapas” or appetizers. Variety is a premium.
True Santa Fe cuisine, while based on the following, is not Mexican, Hispanic, Spanish, Native American, or Southwestern. The kitchen is in its own category, which is truly Santa Fe.
Due to the uniqueness of the Santa Fe recipes, I couldn’t resist writing a true Santa Fe cookbook. The following recipe is from my cookbook. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and friends do.
Hot chocolate with chili and cinnamon
The following is the best old way to make Cinnamon Chili Hot Chocolate.
1 cup of milk
2/3 cup cream (half and half or whipping cream)
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
1 red chili pepper, halved lengthwise or ground cayenne pepper to taste
1 cinnamon stick
1 1/2 oz. bittersweet chocolate, grated
Put the milk and cream in a saucepan with the vanilla bean, the cinnamon stick and the chili. Heat until medium warm. Add the grated chocolate and continue to simmer until melted. Remove from the heat and let it rest for another 10 minutes. Strain the spices. Reheat to a comfortable drinking temperature and serve. (For 2 servings)
And for those of us who like a nice short cut … you can simply buy a hot chocolate mix and add cinnamon and a dash of red chili powder. Instant gratification at its finest!
For more recipes, visit me on the web.