DIY Christmas Tree Piñata

Most people agree that some of the best gifts are ones that come from the heart—not ones you can buy in stores. If you’re looking for a truly unique gift idea that you can customize to suit your loved one’s interests, then you’ll want to consider making and gifting DIY piñatas this holiday season. These fun piñatas can be made in the shape of a Christmas tree or any other holiday shape you desire! From there, you can fill them with candy, smaller gifts, or even booze (for those of-age)!

Not sure you can pull of a DIY Christmas tree piñata? No worries. We’ve got three different methods to try, so you can find the one that works for you, regardless of your crafting skills.

Confetti Burst Piñatas

This option is great because it comes with a free, printable template for you to start with! For this piñata, all you need is some sturdy cardboard, green streamers, tissue paper, mylar, paint, tape, confetti, and your choice of piñata filling! Essentially, this method involves cutting out two identical cardboard trees from the included template. Then, it’s a matter of cutting and taping a cardboard border around one template before attaching the second tree to create a 3-D shape. This is great for making a larger size piñata that could even be used for entertaining at a holiday party. Instructions.

Cute Mini Piñatas

If you’ve got multiple piñatas to make, we recommend this mini piñata tutorial, which is a little less time consuming and will allow you to make more piñatas in a shorter period of time. Rather than using intricate tree cutouts, this piñata design uses simple triangular shapes and relies on the streamers and mylar to create the appearance of a Christmas tree. Pretty clever! Plus, you can easily attach loops or hooks to the tops of each piñata so they can double as tree ornaments until it’s time to bust them open on Christmas morning and reveal the treats inside. Oh, and these can be made with simple cardstock; no need to mess with cardboard, which can be difficult to cut. Instructions.

Handmade Piñata Ornaments

We would recommend this DIY piñata design if you’re looking for an easier option that’s suited for younger children who might otherwise get frustrated or bored by the more tedious work involved in the other two tutorials. With this one, you can take any old cardboard container in your home, whether it be from a cereal box or some other packaging, and turn it into a cute piñata in a matter of minutes. Simply cut out identical versions of the shape you want from a colorful cardboard package (this will reduce the need to decorate it further if you’re doing this as a chldren’s craft). Of course, you can always add colorful streamer if desired! Instructions.

Once you give these piñata tutorials a try, you’ll see that making your very own piñata from scratch is easier than you may have previously thought. From there, you can gift customized versions of these cute designs to all of your loved ones and family members.

Creative and Fun Mexican Slow Cooker Recipes

Sometimes, you’re in the mood for a delicious Mexican taco, but you simply don’t have the time to prepare one from scratch. Just because you lack the motivation to cook doesn’t have to mean that you can’t enjoy a delicious taco with these Mexican slow cooker recipes! All you need is a slow cooker and a few minutes of time to prepare these set-and-go taco dishes that are sure to please.

Slow Cooker Potato Tacos

In less than thirty minutes, you can have this flavorful and unique potato taco filling cooking in your crock pot. Some cubed potatoes, garlic, chili flakes, and other basic ingredients are all you need. You’ll even have time to whip up some homemade mango avocado salsa. Yum! After six hours in the slow cooker, you’re ready to pile this filling onto a flour tortilla for a delicious meal. Recipe.

Slow Cooker Indian Tacos

For an Indian take on taco night, this slow cooker Indian taco recipe is perfect. This dish is not only flavorful, but surprisingly good for you as well! Packed with fiber and nutrients, this is a dish you can feel good about feeding your family (while saving yourself some time in the kitchen as well). Recipe.

Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Tacos

You heard us right; this Thai version of your traditional taco has plenty of bold flavor that’s not for the faint of heart. Some diced chicken breast, a generous helping of curry paste, fresh lime juice, and other bold flavors permeate this dish. The best part? It takes just 20 minutes to prepare before you head out for work in the morning. By the time you come home, it’s hot and ready to serve! Recipe.

Slow Cooker Korean Inspired Street Tacos

If you’re really in a hurry to get dinner going, this is your go-to taco dish. With just 10-15 minutes required for prep, this recipe will have you setting it and forgetting it in no time. Just don’t forget about it for longer than six hours, which is exactly how long this dish needs to cook. With flavors of cilantro, lime, and a little kick of sriracha, this dish boasts a medley of flavors that you’re sure to love. And it’s perfect for entertaining large parties! Recipe.

Slow Cooker Kalua Pork Tacos

Pork and pineapple together? You’d better believe it. Don’t just take our word for it, though. You have to try this oh-so-simple but flavorful crockpot dish for yourself. Pork shoulder, pineapple salsa, and a little bit of seasoning really go a long way in this recipe. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro leaves and lime wedges for presentation that looks almost as good as these tacos taste! This is sure to become a new favorite in your busy-day dinner rotation. Recipe.

When you’re short on time but don’t want to sacrifice on flavor, any of these slow cooker taco recipes are sure to please. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, spicy, or a little bit of both, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from here. Now, which recipe will you try out on your next busy night?

Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes for Mexican Night

When Thanksgiving dinner is said and done, most American households have way more turkey leftovers than they know what to do with. Sure, you can try to encourage your loved ones to take some leftovers home with them, but you’ll probably still be left with quite a bit. Unfortunately, leftover turkey and gravy is only good on its own for so long after Thanksgiving. Eventually, you’re going to get tired of it, right? That’s why you might want to consider trying some of these Thanksgiving leftover recipes that will transform your leftover turkey into a delicious new dish.

Turkey Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a great option for those nights when you want something quick and easy that you can pop in the oven. For this delicious recipe, you’ll need:

  • two cups of leftover turkey, shredded
  • a cup of your favorite salsa
  • a cup and a half of Jack cheese
  • a cup of quality olive oil
  • about 15 flour tortillas

Start by mixing together the shredded turkey and cheese. Then, dip each tortilla in a little bit of oil, fill with the mixture, roll, and set in a baking pan. Top with salsa and bake at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. Top with additional cheese, if desired.

Turkey Tacos

Turkey meat makes for an excellent and healthier alternative to traditional taco meats, such as ground beef. So why not transform your leftover Thanksgiving turkey into some delicious turkey tacos for your next Mexican food night? All you’ll need is:

  • a cup of leftover turkey, cubed
  • a third cup of Jack cheese
  • cilantro, cumin, and oregano, to taste
  • a half cup of chopped onion
  • chopped tomatoes, as desired
  • a tablespoon of quality cooking oil
  • about eight flour or corn tortillas

Start by heating the cooking oil in a large skillet, then add the turkey, seasonings, tomatoes, and onion. Then, fill each tortilla with the hot mixture and top with cheese. Enjoy!

Corn and Turkey Soup

Sometimes, soup is the best way to go—especially on a cold autumn or winter evening. This recipe is great for using up the rest of your leftover turkey and corn at the same time. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • four cups of vegetable broth
  • a tablespoon of cooking oil
  • half a cup of finely chopped onion
  • a clove of minced garlic
  • one diced tomato
  • chile sauce, as needed
  • a third cup of corn
  • two cups of shredded or chopped turkey
  • four tablespoons of cream

Start by sauteeing the onions and garlic in oil, then add the broth, turkey, tomato, chile sauce, and corn. Bring it all to a boil before allowing to simmer for about 15 minutes. Right before you serve it, add the cream. If desired, top with sliced green onion.

You can only have so many leftover Thanksgiving turkey sandwiches before you get tired of them, right? The good news is that with these creative recipes, you can transform your leftover turkey and other Thanksgiving ingredients into an entirely new and refreshing dish. Be sure to keep these in mind to try for dinner in the days after Thanksgiving.

Mexican Veggie Tacos Recipe: Try Them for Dinner Tonight

Whether you’ve got a vegetarian in your household or are simply looking to try something different for dinner, this veggie taco recipe is a flavorful alternative to your “typical” taco night. Plus, it’s super healthy and loaded with nutrients! And for those picky eaters in your house, these tacos have so much flavor that there won’t be any complaints.

What You Need

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s super quick and simple, yet it tastes like it took you hours to throw it together. There’s a good chance you’ve already got most of the ingredients stocked in your fridge or freezer. For this yummy Mexican veggie tacos recipe, you’re going to need the following ingredients:

  • four ounces of Calabacitas veggie mix
  • a half ounce of whole black beans
  • an ounce of chipotle butter
  • several 13oz. corn tortillas
  • four ounces of tomatillo salsa
  • an ounce of Jack cheese
  • two ounces of fresh guacamole
  • two ounces of picante salsa

This dish goes great with a side dish, so you’ll also want to consider what you’d like to serve as a side. For veggie lovers, an extra side of the calabacitas and black beans makes a great choice. However, you may also want to have some refried beans, rice, or other side dish available as well. You can’t go wrong with a side of beans topped with a little bit of cheese.

Putting it Together

Once you’re sure you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! You’ll need just about a half an hour to throw this recipe together, so it’s the perfect option for a busy weeknight or even a lazy Sunday. You’ll want to start by by heating a flat top to medium heat; then, add the calabacitas mix and beans with a dollop of the chipotle butter right on top. Cook the veggies in the chipotle butter until they’re tender and well heated. You can also heat up an additional portion of veggies to serve as a side dish; they’re yummy enough to eat on their own.

Next, heat a plate in the oven until warm before removing and putting a taco holder on the plate itself. In a soup cup, add a side (either the veggies, or some rice and beans…or both, depending on your preferences!). Heat two of the corn tortillas on the flat top until they’re soft and warm and place them in the taco holders. On top of each taco, spread the Jack cheese evenly and top with an ounce of guacamole for each taco.

In a small bowl, mix the veggies with two ounces of the tomatillo salsa until well combined. Use this mixture to fill each tortilla, spooning half of the mixture into each taco. Serve with side ramekins of tomatillo salsa and picante salsa. Yum!

The next time you want to serve up a healthy yet flavorful and filling side dish, this is the recipe to use. It’s sure to please everybody at the table, and it’s something you can feel good about serving. Plus, it’s quick and easy enough to make any night of the week, so be sure to give it a try!

Christmas Traditions in Mexico

In the United States, the Christmas season marks a time of gift-giving, decorating Christmas trees, and celebrating large feasts with family and loved ones. But what about in Mexico? Do they celebrate Christmas and, if so, what are their traditions like? It’s true that Christians in Mexico celebrate the birth of Jesus, and some of their traditions are similar to ours here in the United States. For example, they hold feasts and some even decorate Christmas trees. However, there are also some significant ways in which Mexico celebrates Christmas uniquely.

Posadas

Perhaps the main difference between Christmas in Mexico and Christmas in the United States is that the celebration season lasts longer in Mexico. Specifically, the Christmas season in Mexico officially lasts from December 12th all the way through January 6th. From December 16th through Christmas Eve, “Posada” processions are performed nightly. Each posada takes place at a different family member’s house, but all include celebrations in the form of food, games, and other fun activities.

Nativity Scenes

Another huge Christmas tradition in Mexico is that of setting up nativity scenes around the neighborhoods. While it’s true that this is also somewhat of a tradition in the United States, it’s a much more common sight in Mexico. These scenes are set up around homes, businesses, and churches and are traditionally left up all the way until the beginning of February, rather than being taken down just after Christmas day.

Fireworks

Another way in which Mexico celebrates the Christmas season that’s unique compared to the United States is that they like to set off fireworks in celebration, usually as part of the nightly posadas. For smaller celebrations, sparklers may be lit to celebrate Christmas, whereas in more rural areas, it’s not uncommon to see large numbers of fireworks let off. This is especially true on Christmas day, where you can often enjoy fireworks as far as the eye can see. This is something you generally won’t see on Christmas day in the United States, save for some areas in the south.

Three Kings’ Day

In Mexico, an additional Christmas-related holiday known as Three Kings Day is also celebrated; the purpose of this day is to celebrate the Three Wise Men; in some parts of Mexico, this holiday is celebrated by having children leave a shoe at the entryway of their homes, signaling where the Three Kings are designated to enter.

Another tradition associated with Three Kings’ Day is that of enjoying a special cake known as Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings’ Cake). Customarily, a figure of Baby Jesus is hidden in this cake, and the person who finds it in their slice of cake is said to be the Godparent of Jesus for the entire year going forward.

These are just a few of the unique Christmas traditions in Mexico. It’s interesting to learn how different countries celebrate this special day. With Christmas quickly approaching, now is a great time to reflect on some of your favorite holiday traditions.

Newly Renovated Authentic Mexican Food in Mesa

Here at Macayo’s, we’re always looking for ways to improve our customer experience. So in addition to continuing to serve up the best authentic Mexican food in Mesa, we’ve also decided to do some renovations and upgrades at our eastern-most Macayo’s location, which opened back in 1982. Want a sneak peek of some of the changes we’re making? We’ve got the scoop right here!

New Colorful Booths

For starters, we’ll be replacing some of the existing seating with new and colorful booths. We believe these new booths will be great for providing an intimate yet comfortable dining experience for small groups in addition to helping us achieve a more fun and festive look inside the building.

A Front Patio

We’re also planning on opening up a brand new front patio, which will provide additional seating for our guests and give them the option to enjoy their meals in the fresh air. Having a front patio will also create a welcoming appearance at our entryway! Spend the next beautiful evening dining on our outdoor patio while you take in the sights that Mesa has to offer.

A Large Community Table

To better accommodate larger groups, we’re also adding a large community table, which will provide ample seating for special events, gatherings, and bigger parties. This will save us from having to rearrange tables to accommodate these groups, which improves your overall dining experience! The next time you plan on coming in with a large group, give us a heads up so we can reserve this community table for you.

With all of these improvements, there are still plenty of aspects of our Mesa location that won’t be changing. This includes our extensive menu of authentic Mexican food and our friendly service! And for those who were concerned, don’t worry: we’ll still be bringing in our famous balloon man every Friday night for your family to enjoy.

This is just a sneak peak of the biggest changes that are in store for our Mesa location. We’re sure that these upgrades will help to improve our guest experience, so be sure to stop by and see for yourself!

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinners: Mexican Fiesta

When you think of Thanksgiving dinner, what comes to mind? Perhaps you picture an overflowing cornucopia of fresh food. More than likely, your mind conjures up images of Thanksgiving dinner staples, such as turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie. And while we’ll be the first to say that there’s nothing wrong with “traditional” Thanksgiving food, we also realize that some people like to create their own unique traditions.

If you’re considering ideas for non-traditional Thanksgiving dinners this holiday season, we’ve got some excellent recipes worth trying out that are relatively simple and way more flavorful than your standard turkey.

Green Chili Pork Burros

Loaded with delicious sour cream, stew, and black beans—and topped with Jack cheese—this recipe is sure to please all of your guests while leaving them happy and stuffed! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • a 13-inch flour tortilla
  • an ounce of sour cream
  • five ounces of prepared green chili pork stew
  • a half ounce of Jack cheese
  • four ounces of prepared black beans
  • a quarter ounce of shredded Jack cheese
  • two ounces of pico/cabbage mix, for garnish

Start by heating a tortilla over medium heat in a skillet until it’s slightly crispy but still pliable. Then, spread a dollop of sour cream down the center of the tortilla, along with a helping of the green chili pork stew. Top with Jack cheese. Roll the burro closed before cutting it in half and putting on a plate. Serve with a molcajete of black beans and remaining shredded Jack cheese. Serve atop the cabbage/pico mix!

Shrimp and Chicken Taquitos

Looking for a dish that incorporates your favorite sea food but still has a Mexican twist? We’ve got you covered. You’ll need:

  • two ounces of chorizo
  • an ounce of chipotle butter
  • a pound of diced shrimp
  • an ounce of Macayo’s Sergio’s Tomatillo Salsa
  • three ounces of Jack cheese
  • nine red corn tortillas (6oz.)
  • nine white corn tortillas (6oz.)
  • olive oil, as needed

Start by heating your chipotle butter in a sautee pan until it’s melted. Then, add the chorizo and brown it before adding the tomatillo salsa and mixing all the ingredients together thoroughly. Then, move to a shallow pan and allow to cool, which will give the flavors a chance to marry.

Once it’s cooled down, add the Jack cheese to the top of the mixture and allow it to melt. Brown both sides of each tortilla, placing about an ounce of the chorizo and shrimp mixture onto each tortilla before rolling them into individual taquitos.

Green Chile Pork Stew

For a hearty dish that’s perfect as a Thanksgiving side or on its own, give this a try. You’ll need:

  • two ounces of good olive oil
  • two pounds of braised, diced pork butt
  • a half-pound of fresh poblano chiles
  • four-and-a-half ounces of tomato enchilada sauce
  • one 24-ounce can of Sergio’s Tomatillo Salsa
  • half a tablespoon of cumin
  • one tablespoon of salt
  • half a tablespoon of fresh minced garlic

Begin by roasting the poblano chiles and chop them into half-inch pieces. Now, put your stock pot over high heat and add the olive oil and pork butt cubes. Braise the pork with the olive oil, cumin, salt, and garlic for about 20 minutes before adding the tomatillo sauce, tomatillo salsa, and chopped poblano peppers. Let everything come to a boil before reducing the heat to low or simmer for about 30 minutes before serving. Yum!

Creative Sopapilla Recipes to Try

Traditionally, sopapillas are a pastry dessert that consist of deep-fried dough that’s topped with sugar, honey, or a combination of both. Many people enjoy sopapillas around the holiday season, but they can be made any time of year. However, there are also some delicious and creative twists on traditional sopapilla recipes that we recommend giving a try, especially if you’re looking to wow your holiday guests with a unique dessert offering. We’ve got plenty of creative sopapilla recipes for you below!

Pumpkin Sopapilla Bars

Rather than traditional pumpkin pie this holiday season, why not serve up some yummy pumpkin sopapilla bars? These taste very similar to your favorite pumpkin pie, but have a creamier texture and are served up sopapilla style. For this recipe, all you need are crescent rolls, cream cheese, pumpkin puree, vanilla, butter, sugar, and a little bit of pumpkin pie spice. The end result is a cheesecake-like flavor with a hint of pumpkin and, of course, that delicious and flaky sopapilla crust!

Cheesecake Sopapilla Pie

Speaking of cheesecake, can you really go wrong with combining the flaky crust of a sopapilla pastry with the creamy and rich texture of cheesecake? We don’t think so. This cheesecake sopapilla pie recipe takes dessert to the next level and is a must-try for anybody who loves dessert. This recipe incorporates Mexican vanilla extract, crescent roll dough, cream cheese, cinnamon, butter, honey, and sugar for a flavor that’s out of this world. You can also customize this recipe by adding your own toppings; for example, you could create a chocolate drizzle with Mexican chocolate and heavy cream. Or, you could keep things simple by adding some of your favorite cherry or strawberry fruit syrup on top. Either way, this cheesecake sopapilla pie is sure to be a hit with all your guests, and it’s not very difficult to make.

Cinnamon Sugar Sopapillas

Another excellent and unique sopapilla recipe to try out, especially this upcoming holiday season, is this cinnamon sugar sopapilla recipe. It’s just a minor diversion from traditional sopapillas, which are usually topped with honey and sugar. Instead, for a more “festive” flavor for Thanksgiving or Christmas, we recommend topping your flaky sopapillas with cinnamon sugar as described.

Stuffed Dinner Sopapillas

Last but not least, consider surprising your guests by taking a totally new spin on the traditional sopapilla. Instead of serving them up as a dessert, try stuffing them with your favorite taco or burrito toppings instead. Seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, cheese, beans, and rice are all great fillings for dinner sopapillas, and you’ll still get to enjoy that flaky and buttery crust. Check out this stuffed sopapilla recipe for more details.

As you can see, there are some very creative ways in which you can transform the basic Mexican sopapilla into something totally unique and delicious. And none of these recipes are very difficult, even for beginners. So the next time you get a sweet tooth or have guests coming by for dinner, be sure to give one of these fun and different recipes a try in your own kitchen.

Recipe: Poblano Chimichanga, Macayo’s Freedom Chimi

It’s that time of year again when we celebrate our annual Chimi Fiesta! During this celebration, we have a specialty menu that’s full of both new and classic chimichanga dishes. And considering it was our very own founder, Woody Johnson, who first invented the chimichanga, we’re take this celebration pretty seriously. For those nights when you can’t make it out to Macayo’s but are craving a delicious chimichanga, we’ve decided to provide you with a recipe for our popular poblano chimichanga (Freedom chimi) below.

Of course, we do recommend making it out to Macayo’s to order this for yourself during our Chimi Fiesta; after all, we’re donating a dollar for every Freedom chimi we sell to the Helping Hands for Freedom organization.

What You Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious chimi recipe:

  • one 13-inch flour tortilla
  • one roasted poblano, sliced lengthwise
  • five ounces of chicken
  • three ounces of red enchilada sauce
  • one ounce of Baja sauce
  • a quarter ounce of Jack cheese
  • four ounces of refried beans
  • an ounce of diced tomatoes
  • a half ounce of shredded lettuce
  • tortilla strips as needed (we prefer blue)

Putting it Together

Assembling the poblano chimi is easier than you think! Once you have all your necessary ingredients, get started by placing the sliced poblano along the center of the flour tortilla. Then, spoon the five ounces of chicken on top of the poblano before rolling the tortilla, burrito style, so that it’s closed at both ends. Since you’re going to be frying the chimi, you’ll need to be careful to seal the ends off so none of the filling spills out during the frying process!

If you have a deep fryer, now is the time to get it going. If you don’t have a deep fryer, no worries; you can heat your choice of frying oil in a large pot and yield the same results (just be careful not to overheat the oil you’re working with or burn yourself). Place the rolled up chimichanga into the fryer basket and lower it into the heated oil (or carefully place it into your pot of oil), folds down. Prevent the chimi from opening up during frying by placing a flat hold down on top of the chimi itself. If you’re frying in a pot on the stove, you can use a spatula to achieve the same results, but we recommend wearing an oven mitt while doing so to protect yourself from splatters.

Once the chimi is nice and golden brown, remove it and set aside to allow any excess grease to drain from it. Meanwhile, spoon the beans mixed with cheese onto a plate and run it through the oven to warm it. Then, remove the plate from the oven and place the chimi on the plate, topping it with the red enchilada sauce baja sauce, Jack cheese, and tomatoes. Garnish with the lettuce, some remaining tomatoes, and blue tortilla strips for a beautiful dish that tastes just as good as it looks.

There you have it, our very own Freedom chimi that you can serve up at home. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re in the mood for a crispy, flavorful chimi. And don’t forget to stop by during Chimi Fiesta!

The Perfect Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe

What could possibly be more delicious than a mug of hot chocolate on a cool night? Before you reach for that pre-made hot cocoa mix in your pantry, however, consider being adventurous and whipping up your own spiced Mexican hot chocolate. We promise it’s not too difficult, and you probably have most (if not all) of the ingredients already on-hand. Give this Mexican hot chocolate recipe a try for yourself and we’re pretty sure you’ll never go back to the pre-made stuff again.

What You’ll Need

For this creamy, delicious hot chocolate recipe with a kick, you’re going to need:

  • four cups of milk
  • a cup of cocoa powder (preferably unsweetened)
  • a quarter cup of sugar
  • two teaspoons of cornstarch (to thicken, if desired)
  • a teaspoon of cinnamon
  • a half teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • a quarter teaspoon of chile powder
  • a pinch of nutmeg and cayenne

Please keep in mind that this particular recipe will yield about five mugs of hot chocolate, so if you’re making it just for yourself or for you and a friend, you’ll want to adjust these amounts accordingly. After all, leftover hot cocoa just isn’t quite as good.

Putting it Together

Once you’ve got all your ingredients together, it’s time to get to cooking. In a medium saucepan, add all of your ingredients and mix them together until well combined. From there, you’ll want to heat the saucepan over medium heat until the mixture is simmering, stirring frequently along the way. Be careful not to let the mixture boil.

You may want to try making this without the cornstarch at first. You can always add it later on to thicken the mixture if needed, but it really depends on your personal preference. Once the mixture has heated up sufficiently, remove it from the heat and use a ladle to transfer the hot chocolate to individual mugs. If you plan on adding toppings to your hot chocolate, make sure you leave a little bit of room at the top of the mug to do so!

Optional Toppings

This Mexican hot chocolate recipe is yummy enough on its own, but you can make it even better by adding some toppings to your mug. Some of our favorite toppings include whipped cream and hot fudge syrup. However, you can add anything you like, such as marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or anything else that tickles your fancy. For a minty flavor, consider adding some mint chocolate chips. For more of a dessert, you could even add some crumbled cookies. If serving for the holidays, you could garnish each mug with some chopped candy cane. The nice thing about this recipe is that each person can customize their own mug, adding the toppings they want after the hot cocoa is poured.

The next time you get the craving for hot chocolate, be sure to give this Mexican hot cocoa recipe a try. It’ll take five minutes of your time to throw together, but the taste is so much better than any store-bought, pre-made mix in a pouch!