When my husband went on a recent trip to México, I demanded requested that he bring home some tea and chocolate for me. He kept his word and it has been such a treat to open up the beautiful wrappings to find such tasty morsels and lovely teas. While delicious, they are also so different, making the adventure of eating and drinking them that much more enjoyable. Personally, though, I’m not certain it will last long enough. I may need to make a trip to pick up some more. Wouldn’t you agree??

Dulce Y Picante is the little shop in Valladolid where my husband found the tea. The curio shop carries all sorts of interesting things; the house made Mayan-influenced tea, spices, dishes, Mayan art and Mayan artifact replicas.

I loved the experience of opening the tea bag–the Tizana de Cacao is so different from any other I have seen! The shells from the cacao were so big, I didn’t think that the flavor would be very strong after steeping. I was very wrong, though–the flavor infused wonderfully.

I pulled out my little tea set to let everyone have a try along with me. My daughter took one sip and then politely said she didn’t like it, took another and held strong with her first opinion. She asked to be excused and I guess, to her, a book was more enticing than the tea. I mostly gave her the tea to experience something new…but, I must admit, to also watch her face. She doesn’t like tea and I know it!

My husband drank a cup and enjoyed it, but then also left the table.

Finally, my son and I were left on the deck to enjoy several more cups together until we had finished the pot. He loved it and smacked his lips the whole time. And I love it, too. It has such a warm, woodsy undertone, with a true chocolate flavor throughout. All kidding aside, I actually am very sad that I only have an ounce to enjoy.

We drank the tea with a ball of handcrafted Mayan chocolate slowly melting at the bottom of our cups as well as some local honey that has to be the best jar I’ve ever tasted. The Mayan chocolate is an experience in itself and deserves its own post!

I think I’ll wake up early tomorrow, steep a pot for myself, and write until everyone else wakes up.