Spicy Hot Chocolate and a Happy Halloween- Post 22

We have made it to the last day of Vegan MoFo. It has been a wonderful month filled with food and laughter. There is always a feeling of sadness when it ends because I miss the daily posts of awesome food and stories. I hope to do a better job this year in keeping up with blogs. After my rough start this year, I had not been much into blogging. MoFo has renewed my spirits and I am back! 

I love that MoFo is during the month of October. It is my favorite month because it is the start of Autumn, the leaves are changing, seasonal rain, spooky decorations, sweaters, corduroys, and HALLOWEEN! Ollie has made an appearance in his Halloween outfit to say hello and "Happy Halloween!" to you MoFo'ers! It is too bad I only had my phone handy when he posed so sweetly, I would have loved to have my camera out so I could get a better quality photo. Either way, you can see how darn cute he is. His grandma and grandpa Newman got him this cute shirt. 

 
Ollie has to stay warm as the weather gets cooler so, he will don this shirt even after the festivities today. I also have to stay warm and hot chocolate usually does that trick for me as I get cozy under my snuggie and read a book, watch TV, or use the computer. In the past you have seen Mint Hot Chocolate, Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate, and today I bring you Spicy Hot Chocolate. 

This drink was inspired by a spicy chocolate drink I had at Escazu in downtown Raleigh. This drink has a nice level of spiciness. The interesting note is that the spice does not hit the front of your tongue, but the back towards your throat. Like the peanut butter hot chocolate I made, this one was also created in the Vitamix. Do not worry if you do not have a Vitamix or other high powered blender, you could heat the milk on the stove or in the microwave. It will not be frothy, but it will be just as delicious!

Spicy Hot Chocolate

• 1 cup of almond, soy, rice or coconut milk
• 2 tbsp mimic creme 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 tbsp vegan chocolate chips
• 1/8 to 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper (start out slow and then increase the amount)

Place all of the ingredients into the Vitamix, or high powered blender, and blend for 4 minutes or until steam comes out of the top of the lid. Check for desired heat level and blend more or pour into a mug and enjoy!