We’re gearing up for Las Posadas!! We’re gearing up for Christmas!! How fun!!
Can you tell I’m excited? I love Christmas. In the first two weeks of December our house swings into Holiday mode decorating, baking, wrapping and shopping. I enjoy decorating and baking, but following my mom from store to store is not my idea of a fun day.
Mid December we begin our wind down. We cut back on school, activities, and outings and turn to family. Family arrives for extended visits, we watch holiday movies and we prepare for Las Posadas.
Las Posadas begins on Dec 16th. These days are dedicated to sharing the journey of Mary and Joseph as they searched for shelter in Bethlehem. Every year we take part in Las Posadas with our church and community. The Peregrinos will walk from house to house seeking a place to stay the night. Three homes are visited, but only the third will allow us in. This house will host the Posada that evening.
A posada celebration consists of tamales, ponche navideno, hot chocolate, sweet bread and atole. Traditional Mexican songs will play as the children bang on a piñata hoping to fill their bag with candy. Small bags of oranges, apples, candy canes and peanuts are given to the children at the end of the evening.
Tamales taste even better with hot chocolate. I would like to share one of my favorite hot chocolate recipes with you today. Happy Holidays!
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Los Barrios Family Cookbook
serves 3 or 4
3 cups milk1 cinnamon stick
1/2 tablet Mexican Chocolate (such as Nestle Abuelita or Ibarra brand), broken into pieces
Sugar to taste (optional)
1) Combine the milk and cinnamon stick in a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat until the milk is hot, but not boiling. Add chocolate and stir until melted.
2) Remove and discard the cinnamon stick, and sweeten with sugar, if desired.
Read more at Sweet Life Bake.
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Angelica ~ A 12yr old homeschooler with dreams of becoming a pastry chef.
Addicted to comics, food network, and carnival rides, Angelica loves taking over her mom's kitchen. She is currently working on perfecting her pie crust while her family reaps the benefits. You can find her sharing her baking skills over at Sweet Life.