Black Sugar Pastry Cream

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup Monin Black Sugar Syrup

• 1/4 cup corn starch

• 4 egg yolks

• Pinch salt

• 4 Tbsp. cold butter

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a medium sized sauce pot combine the first 5 ingredients and whisk until completely mixed together.

2. Set the mixture at a medium-low heat and very gradually bring up to a simmer, mixing the entire time with a rubber spatula.

3. Once mixture is simmering, continue to simmer for 1 minute and then remove from heat.

4. Whisk in the cold butter until completely melted then strain through a fine mesh sieve.

5. Cover the pastry cream with plastic wrap directly on it and allow to completely chill in the refrigerator (about 2 hours) before use.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

INGREDIENTS

Cookie Dough:

• 12 Tbsp. melted butter

• 1/2 cup cocoa powder

• 2 Tbsp. Monin Black Sugar Syrup

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 egg

• 3 pumps Monin Habanero Concentrated Flavor

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1 tsp. cinnamon

Savory Cinnamon and Sugar Mix:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4  cup cinnamon

• 1 tsp. salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350° F and line two sheet pans with parchment paper or silpads.

2. In bowl of a stand mixer equipped the paddle attachment. mix cocoa powder, black sugar, and butter on low speed. Once incorporated, add the sugar and mix on medium-high speed until soft and fluffy.

3. Add the egg and the Habanero concentrated flavor on low speed and mix until fully incorporated.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. On medium speed, slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet.

5. Cover the dough and chill for 1-2 or until the dough is chilled.

6. Remove the dough from the fridge and roll into 1-inch balls. Toss the dough balls into the cinnamon and sugar mix then set on a baking sheet with 2 inches of space in between.

7. Place cookies into the center rack of the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the bottoms are crispy.

8. Serve immediately or wrap the cookies and store at room temperature.