In December of 2016, I ventured off into the annual Union Square Holiday Market. Making my way through the maze of stands, I stumbled upon a small sign that read "Spanish Hot Chocolate." I intriguingly decided to purchase a cup. I immediately fell in love with the creamy, chocolatey mixture. Its consistency was smooth, balancing between that of a pudding and a beverage. Its rich flavor danced circles on my taste buds making it impossible for me to set it down for even a second. The cherry on top of it all was the perfect temperature of the drink. After just one cup, I knew I had to visit the following year for another taste. So I did, but this time, I went with a pen and paper determined to get the scope on the company behind it all.

Upon my arrival, I was lucky enough to meet Mr. Eric Mpasi, a dedicated employee of the Rubyzaar company. Eric was happy to speak with me sharing the very interesting story behind the business. Originally, Rubyzaar had only sold scarves - very beautiful scarves at that, I might add. The business thrived on unique handwoven scarves and shawls until 2008 when the dreadful stock market crash occurred. In an effort to save the company from crashing alongside the stock market, Rubyzaar Baked was born. The new addition consisted of creative, artisanal cookies to which I can vouch are equally delicious in both taste and appearance. As Eric perfectly stated, "The cookies were an instant success."

Refusing to end their rising success with the cookies, Rubyzarr Baked introduced a new product to the scene; My personal favorite, Spanish Hot Chocolate. When discussing the famously festive drink with Eric, I had to ask the question that crosses the mind of every person whose lips have had the privilege of meeting the delicacy: "How do you do it? What makes this hot chocolate so special?" Eric answered in a surprisingly simple manner stating, "Well, most people use a lot of milk and only a little bit of chocolate. We melt a lot of chocolate and only add a little bit of milk." The painstakingly simple process only evoked me to ask more daring questions like, "Is there anyone else out there who makes Spanish Hot Chocolate?" Once again, Eric ceased to deliver his insight on the origin of the unique hot chocolate. "The Spanish Hot Chocolate is actually from Spain. Over there, they use it as a dip for churros which is why it is so creamy. So, yes, I am sure that there are others who probably make it as well, but we do it the best. You can ask anyone and they will tell you that Rubyzaar Baked makes the best Spanish Hot Chocolate." On that statement, I could not agree more.

From scarves and shawls to cookies, and to Spanish Hot Chocolate, Rubyzaar decided to take yet another step up by developing liquid s'mores. If your mouth is not already watering from the title alone, then I can assure you that it will from the explanation. While speaking with Eric, I noticed a blowtorch in the background. When I asked him about it, he was more than happy to explain his business' newest special, the liquid s'more. The secret, but not so secret recipe involves the use of the Spanish Hot Chocolate as a base with the marshmallows placed on top, while the blowtorch is used to melt both ingredients into an ooey-gooey treat. The golden brown toper is then made complete with graham cracker pieces and a more than happy customer.

Rubyzaar and Rubyzaar Baked have become quite the showstopper. For me, the Spanish Hot Chocolate stole my heart from the start. It lured me back to the Union Square Holiday Market where I was enveloped even deeper into the Rubyzaar company as I learned of its great history and success. Whether you are into handwoven scarves, creative cookies, or heart-capturing hot chocolate, I urge you to take a venture in the Union Square Holiday Market's Rubyzaar stand. You'll be in for a treat!