Chocolate Atole

Atole is a hot gruel that has been popular since the time of the Aztecs. This porridge-like drink is thickened with ground com, or masa, and has the consistency of heavy cream; it’s sweetened with sugar and flavored with cinnamon, fruit, almonds, or chocolate. Chocolate atole, called champurrado, is the best kind, like thick hot choclate that warms you up from the inside out. Atole is a natural accompaniment for chepas (sweet tamales) or kings cake