🍲 **Cocoa Tea from St. Lucia ☕️**

Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of St. Lucia with this delightful Cocoa Tea. Perfect for a cozy morning or a rainy evening, this traditional beverage combines the essence of cocoa with warm spices to create a comforting drink that will transport you to the Caribbean.

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🌍 **What Is Cocoa Tea?**

Cocoa Tea is a beloved beverage in St. Lucia, made from grated cocoa sticks and infused with spices like cinnamon and cloves. Unlike hot chocolate, this tea has a unique depth of flavor, making it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.

🧾 **Ingredients**

**Base:**

- 1 cup water

- 1 cocoa stick (grated)

- 1 cinnamon stick

- 2-3 whole cloves

- 1-2 bay leaves (preferably fresh)

- 1 can evaporated milk

- Condensed milk (to taste)

- Custard powder (for thickening)

**Optional:**

- Brown sugar, granulated sugar, honey, or any sweetener of your choice

👩‍🍳 **Step-by-Step Instructions**

1. **Prepare the Cocoa Stick**

- Grate the cocoa stick using a box grater or chop it finely with a knife.

2. **Infuse the Spices**

- In a pot, combine 1 cup of water with the grated cocoa, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and bay leaves.

- Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.

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3. **Add the Cocoa**

- Stir in the grated cocoa and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

4. **Incorporate the Evaporated Milk**

- Add the entire can of evaporated milk to the pot.

- Bring the mixture back to a boil and simmer for a few minutes.

5. **Sweeten the Tea**

- Stir in condensed milk to taste. Adjust sweetness according to your preference. You can also use brown sugar, granulated sugar, or honey if desired.

6. **Thicken the Tea**

- In a separate bowl, mix custard powder with a small amount of water to create a slurry.

- Once the tea is boiling again, gradually add the slurry to the pot, stirring continuously until the desired thickness is achieved.

7. **Final Simmer**

- Allow the tea to simmer for another minute to cook out the starch from the custard powder.

8. **Strain and Serve**

- Strain the tea into cups to remove the spices and any solids.

🍽️ **How to Serve**

Serve warm in a cozy mug. Cocoa Tea can be enjoyed on its own or paired with traditional St. Lucian breakfast items like saltfish and bake or flour dumplings.

💡 **Pro Tips**

- For a richer flavor, use fresh bay leaves if available.

- Adjust the thickness of the tea by varying the amount of custard powder or using flour as an alternative thickener.

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- Experiment with different sweeteners to find your perfect balance.

🔥 **Why You’ll Love This**

Cocoa Tea is not just a drink; it's a warm hug in a cup! With its unique blend of cocoa and spices, this beverage offers a comforting experience that evokes the vibrant culture of St. Lucia. Perfect for any time of day, it’s a delightful way to savor the flavors of the Caribbean.