The Deal Mommy

This post is part of the Souvenir Stories series, where I share the stuff that takes me back once I get home.

Snowzilla has arrived with a roar.  We’re over two feet with no end in sight, but the Deal Family is toasty warm. I’ve yet to brave the blizzard, but have been busy whipping up a souvenir from my recent Mexico City adventure: Abuelita hot chocolate. What makes Abuelita special?  Well, it just tastes Mexican for lack of a better description.  The chocolate is extra dark, almost mole-like, with a cinnamon kick that keeps you toasty warm inside.

Abuelita comes in bricks that I microwave with milk (about 4 minutes for 4 cups with one brick). I then stick the whole mix into the blender right before serving.  You don’t have to put the brick in the microwave with the milk but I find it blends much better if softened first. Abuelita also makes a mean mocha when you 1/2 and 1/2 it with a dark roast coffee.

I first read about Abuelita in Jim Johnston’s Mexico City: An Opinionated Guide for the Curious Traveler (which I highly recommend for a unique view of the D.F.). He recommended it as a cheap gift or souvenir.  The box I bought from the grocery cost $4 with a free mug.

Fortunately when we run out (which may be soon if the snow keeps piling up) I can re-order it from  Amazon. I don’t think you can go back to Swiss Miss after Abuelita.

And the 1921? Well, that’s for the grownups.  A splash of crema de tequila blends beautifully with Abuelita and both keeps us warm and helps with cabin fever.  I’ve heard from friends that Bailey’s and Kahlua also work well.

Are any souvenirs helping you through the storm?  I’d love to hear your souvenir stories in comments.

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