Chai Tea
Posted
Mon, 12/29/03
A couple of years ago I found an instant Chai mix from Stephen's Gourmet. It was perhaps one of the best hot beverages I've ever sampled. I never found the mix again. Apparently Stephen's Gourmet quit selling it. A few days ago I inadvertently discovered mention of the brew, as well as a bit of history behind it, at the web site Chai!
Chai (pronounced as a single syllable and rhymes with 'pie') is the word for tea in many parts of the world. It is a centuries-old beverage which has played an important role in many cultures. Chai from India is a spiced milk tea that has become increasingly popular throughout the world. It is generally made up of: rich black tea, heavy milk, a combination of various spices and some sort of sweetener. The spices used vary from region to region and among households in India. The most common are cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and pepper.
There are also recipes at Chai!, but I found an easy rendition at Recipe Goldmine:
Chai Tea Mix
1 C nonfat dry milk powder
In a large bowl, combine milk powder, non-dairy creamer, vanilla flavored creamer, sugar and instant tea. Stir in ginger, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. In a blender or food processor, blend one cup at a time, until mixture has the consistency of fine powder. To serve: Stir two heaping tablespoons of Chai Tea Mix into a mug of hot water. Note: If desired, omit French vanilla creamer and substitute with teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix the vanilla into the sugar, let it dry, and then break the sugar into small lumps. Follow the same procedure as above.
I'm trying my own variations of the recipe. Yummy stuff!
*Related Blog Posts: Chai & Coffee Mate (04/22/04) and Oregon Half-Chai (11/28/12).
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