Real Hot Chocolate

Usually I use Droste Dutch chocolate powder to make this, but Trader Joe chocolate powder or even Hershey's unsweetened cocoa powder will do in a pinch.  In a medium sized bowl with sloping sides, put in about ten or twelve tablespoons of chocolate powder.  It should not come more than a third of the way up the sides. Add a good big dollop of honey and two tablespoons of sugar.   Mix gently until the chocolate powder takes up all the honey.  Pour in about half a cup of heavy cream and stir (slowly, so as not to make the powder fluff up and escape the bowl) until the cream is all taken up.  You can use milk, if you like but the result won't be nearly as good, and it won't mix as easily.  Add a capful of vanilla and a small sprinkling of cinnamon, then the rest of the cup of cream.  Stir until smooth.  This is chocolate base.  It should taste like unsweetened frosting.  It will keep quite well in the fridge for up to a week. 

To make hot chocolate, pour water fresh off the boil into a mug.  Add a dollop of the chocolate base.  A tablespoon or less will do for most people.  Stir until blended.  Taste for strength.  Add more chocolate base if necessary.  Then use a small whisk, twirled in the cup, to produce some tasty froth. 

Slurp happily to your heart's content. 

La Cabana - Very Good Tacos

La Cabana

4086 Crockett St

Henrico, VA 23228

I had two excellent very Mexican tacos at La Cabana: al Pastor, and Carnitas.  Both were the best taco of its type I've had in Richmond, Virginia.  From Staples Mill Road, turn right (going toward Richmond) or left (going toward Montpelier) at the light for Crockett Road.  You'll find La Cabana on the right at the end of the shopping center.  I'll stop here often.  Two tacos are way, way better than McDonald's dollar menu.  Tacos are a dollar each on Fridays.  (I think.) They serve Jarritos Mexican sodas made with sugar -- my favorite soft drink.  I like the Mandarina, but Tamarindo is also good.  Crockett Road is just a bit before Anthony and George's Steak House going west on Staples Mill.  They'll cater parties and you might could call ahead for a large order, but hey -- sit down and soak up the atmosphere. 

The Belmont Butchery

15 N. Belmont Avenue
Richmond, VA 23221‎

(804) 422-8519 

belmontbutchery.com

 

 Really it is impossible to tell how clearly The Belmont Butchery sticks in the mind.  I keep remembering the lamb bacon.  I look forward to linguica so I can make a proper Caldo Verde.  And a Wagyu brisket for Texas Barbecue.  Time for the paleo diet?  Thank you, Tanya Cauthen!   From the bottom of my sausage-loving heart.