Aztec Chili Hot Chocolate

1 2/3 cups milk
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
1 red chili pepper, split with seeds removed
1 cinnamon stick, around 3-4"
1 1/2 oz chocolate (bittersweet)

Directions:

Grate chocolate and set aside.

In a saucepan on medium heat, simmer milk, vanilla bean, cinnamon and chili. Heat through for a minute. Whisk in grated chocolate and continue to simmer and stir until melted. Remove from heat and let steep for another ten minutes.

Using a fine strainer, strain out the spices and serve.

Makes 2 servings.

If this recipe is too hot, you can reduce the amount of chili next time.