Ingredients:

• 4 cups milk (or your preferred milk alternative)
• 1/4 cup masa harina (corn flour)
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp ground cassia cinnamon (or 1 cinnamon stick)
• 1 star anise
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 4 whole cloves
• 1/2 tsp whole allspice
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of milk with masa harina, whisking until smooth. This will help prevent lumps.
2. In another pot, heat the remaining milk over medium heat. Add sugar, ground cinnamon (or cinnamon stick), star anise, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and cocoa powder. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the masa harina mixture. Stir continuously to prevent lumps.
4. Continue cooking for about 5-10 minutes, until the atole thickens to your desired consistency.
5. If using, stir in vanilla extract. Remove the spices (cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves) before serving.