Fall is upon us! The temperature has dropped way to quickly here is Santa Fe so I thought it would be the perfect time to introduce this delicious New Mexican Hot Chocolate Breakfast Smoothie. Being here in Northern New Mexico this smoothie would not be complete without a bit of local red chili and of course Spirulina Sprinkles.

The recipe is just a guideline for you, please tweak as your taste buds desire. If you come up with a delicious recipe of your own making, I would love to hear from you. Enjoy!

WARNING:
Don’t fill your smoothie maker up with hot liquid. It’s either going to shatter the glass (if you have a glass jug) or it’s going to come gushing out with a lot of pressure when you open the lid after whizzing things up. Make sure your smoothie maker or blender can take warm or hot liquids. This recipe calls for a little of the warm milk to be added the other ingredients along with cold water before blending. The rest of the warm milk is added after blending.

INGREDIENTS:
0.5 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
1 cup milk (regular, almond milk or my new favorite Oatmilk!)
Pinch of hot chili powder (New Mexican preferably)
2-3 Pinches of cardamom
Pinch of cinnamon
1 1/2 tbsp raw cacao powder
2-4 tbsp rolled oats
1/2 a ripe banana
8 almonds
1 tsp chia seeds
1 tsp maca powder
2 tbsp cold water

TO SERVE:
Pinch of hot chili powder
1/2 tsp Spirulina Sprinkles

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Add the dark chocolate to a sauce pan, pour in the milk, then add the chili powder, cinnamon, cardamom and cacao powder. Heat until the mixture is warm and the chocolate has melted (you can do this in a microwave if you prefer but make sure to use a large mug).

2. Place the oats, banana, almonds, chia seeds, maca powder, the water and approx. a fifth of the milk mixture to your smoothie maker or blender. Add in an extra splash of cold water if you think the liquid is too warm (see warning above about hot liquids and smoothie makers).

3. Blend on high for a minute until the oats and chia seeds have been completely incorporated.

4. Whilst it’s blending, further heat the rest of the milk mixture until hot, but not boiling.

5. Pour the blended oat mix into your cup, stir in the milk/chocolate mix, then sprinkle on the chili powder and Spirulina Sprinkles. Decorate the glass with a red chili for fun if you like.