What Christmas is all about in Peru...
One of the biggest traditions in Peru at Christmas-time are Chocolatadas. Though most commonly translated as: hot-chocolate drink, it is also known as an event that involves handing out home-made hot chocolate, Panetón or sweet breads, and small gifts to children in schools, churches, communities, etc.
Like the past several years, Inka Sites Adventures organized a Chocolatada for a group of impoverished children just outside of Cusco city for their Sunday School class, contributing a hopeful message and short movie, delicious hot-chocolate and panetón breads and some basic toys for each child. Over 60 children from the community came, excited for the treats and toys!
Like the past several years, Inka Sites Adventures organized a Chocolatada for a group of impoverished children just outside of Cusco city for their Sunday School class, contributing a hopeful message and short movie, delicious hot-chocolate and panetón breads and some basic toys for each child. Over 60 children from the community came, excited for the treats and toys!
Panetón, a Christmas bread made with candied fruit pieces, is a favored Christmas treat for Peruvians.
Wilber's wife Sonia helped us put together the hot chocolate.
Wilber (Inka Sites Adventure's Chef & Inca Trail staff Manager) is stirring up the hot chocolate- just about ready!
Walter (Agency Manager) introducing the movie with some words of encouragement and hope for these children.
Wilber and Estanislau (Inka Site's porter) and a couple of our friends serving out the Chocolatada.
Stephanie (wife to Walter) handing out toys to some boys from the community who came at the end.
Content with new toys, hot chocolate and sweet bread!
Peruvian Hot Chocolate Recipe
Like all recipes of different regions and families, there are variations to the Peruvian home-made hot chocolate, but some of the commonalities are that they made it with solid cocoa and like to add oatmeal to make it thicker.
Here's a recipe that's as close as we could find to the way the Cusqueñeans make it: our Christmas gift to you!
Here's a recipe that's as close as we could find to the way the Cusqueñeans make it: our Christmas gift to you!
(Makes 5 Cups)
3 cups water
1 cinnamon stick
2-3 cloves
1 oz. square unsweetened chocolate (cocoa)
1 can evaporated milk
1 Tbsp. oatmeal
Sugar to taste
Shred cocoa into the bottom of a heavy pot and bring water, cinnamon and cloves to a boil. Once at boiling point, turn down to minimum heat and add evaporated milk and oatmeal. Stir occasionally for 5 minutes, or until oatmeal is cooked. Don't boil over! Add sugar and milk to taste.
3 cups water
1 cinnamon stick
2-3 cloves
1 oz. square unsweetened chocolate (cocoa)
1 can evaporated milk
1 Tbsp. oatmeal
Sugar to taste
Shred cocoa into the bottom of a heavy pot and bring water, cinnamon and cloves to a boil. Once at boiling point, turn down to minimum heat and add evaporated milk and oatmeal. Stir occasionally for 5 minutes, or until oatmeal is cooked. Don't boil over! Add sugar and milk to taste.
Feliz Navidad and Happy New Year from all of us at Inka Sites Adventures!
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