Karyn Maier is a freelance writer and creator specializing in natural wellness, the botanical arts, and culinary creations that use herbs and spices. She has written for many industry and consumer publications in both new and traditional media, including ePregnancy, Fitness Link, Club Mom, Let’s Live, Natural Living Today, Real Woman, The Herb Quarterly, American Fitness, Mother Earth News, Delicious!, Better Nutrition, etc. She is also the author of several books on using herbs, and a contributor to cookbooks. Ms. Maier is frequently interviewed as an expert by national magazines, including Real Simple and Mother Earth Living. She has also been a guest on several radio talk shows such as Gary Null’s Natural Living, The Deborah Ray Show and Martha Stewart Living.
a little bit about the recipe
Cardamom can lend your hot chocolate a slightly citrus, earthy flavor deepening the complexity of chocolate’s sweet profile. The light floral addition of rose petals and rose water will complement cardamom’s penetrating astringency.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
whisk
TOTAL: 5m
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directions
Combine the milk and lightly crushed cardamom pods in a small saucepan, then warm gently over medium-low heat. When the milk begins to steam, scoop out the cardamom pods with a slotted spoon. Immediately stir in the chocolate, condensed milk, and cacao powder.*
Whisk the mixture until the chocolate and cacao powders are fully incorporated. Remove from heat and stir in the rosewater. Pour into a mug and top with a sprinkle of rose petals.
*INGREDIENT NOTE: If substituting in cocoa for cacao powder in this recipe, be sure the cocoa has no additional ingredients and is unsweetened for best results.
tips
The use of rose petals as garnish makes a lovely (and traditional) presentation.
To add a hint of licorice, try adding a few crushed fennel seeds with the cardamom.
Be sure to use rosewater labeled “food grade,” which can be found in health food stores and in some supermarkets in the international foods isle.
Our cacao powder has the more-prized high-fat content. This natural cacao powder will yield rich chocolatey flavor in baked goods. No sugars have been added to this raw ingredient.
