Aztec Hot Chocolate

Take chocolate back to its origin. This recipe combines spicy chiles with semi-sweet chocolate. There's nothing better to warm you up.

1 2/3 cups water

1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

1 red chili pepper, split and de-seeded

1 cinnamon stick

1 1/2 ounce chocolate (bittersweet)

Simmer water with the vanilla bean, the cinnamon stick, and chili for about one minute. Add grated chocolate, and continue to simmer until melted. Remove from heat and set aside for ten minutes. Strain and serve. Serves two.