Fiesta Hot Chocolate

1/2 c. cocoa

1 tbs. all-purpose flour

1/4 c. grated piloncillo* or 1/4 c. packed dark brown sugar

4 c. milk

3 whole cloves

1 stick cinnamon, broken into halves

2 tbs. powdered sugar

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Whipped cream

4 sticks cinnamon

Mix cocoa and flour in a 2-quart saucepan. Stir in piloncillo, milk, cloves, and 1 stick cinnamon. Heat just to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes (do not boil). Remove from heat, then remove cloves and cinnamon. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla.

Beat with wire whisk or hand beater until foamy. Pour into 4 cups or mugs. Serve with whipped cream and cinnamon sticks.

4 servings

*Piloncillo is made from pure, unrefined sugar pressed into a cone shape. It tastes very similar to brown sugar, and you can use it in any recipe that calls for dark brown sugar.