What is chai tea?

Technically it’s just “chai” and is a popular tea around the world. For a fascinating read about this beverage, read this article.

The general recipe for chai includes:

rich black tea
heavy milk
a combination of various spices
a sweetener

One of my aunts & I have had conversations via email on and off about a “good chai”. This aunt is my dad’s sister, and several of my siblings have commented “Noel is just like Aunt Grace”.  I take that as a compliment!

Aunt Grace and I debated back and forth how to make our own chair spice mix. Then one day I received this email from Aunt Grace:

“I nailed it!  My chai this morning tasted just like Celestial Seasons Chai.”

I printed Aunt Grace’s email with her homemade chai tea recipe and kept it on my refrigerator for awhile. Then moved it to the bulletin board in the kitchen when I needed the fridge space for more urgent items.

I spent quite some time searching in my local grocery stores for the spices called for in this recipe. Mind you, I shop at three stores regularly and if they don’t carry an item, it might be months before I get to the “big store” in the “big city”.

Apparently in my town, Cinnamon is a very popular spice! I’ve found it sold in every store that sells food.

White Pepper – not so much. We’re definitely a black pepper town!

I also had a search for Cardamom on my hands. If the groceries in my town carry it – it’s a holiday seasonal item. Not an everyday item.

When I finally accumulated all the necessary ingredients, I set to work mixing up Aunt Grace’s chai.

Aunt Grace’s Homemade Chai Tea Spice Recipe

Ingredients:

1 TB Ginger
1 TB Cinnamon
1 TB Cloves
1 tsp Cardamom
1 tsp Nutmeg
1/4 tsp White Pepper

These are all ground spices, not whole.

Recipe Directions:

Mix together spices. Store in airtight container. Add a scant 1/4 tsp. per 8 oz. cup of your favorite tea.  Sweeten and add milk if desired.

Approximate Nutritional Value:

Servings Per Recipe: 36, Amount Per Serving: Calories: 2, Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 0mg, Total Carbs: 0g, Protein: 0g.

Make It A Meal:

Of course a good cuppa tea goes with any meal, coffee break, or snack. If you want to dress up your breakfast, add a bit to your oatmeal. Mix in tad into your vanilla pudding for a spiced up dessert.

Variation:

A touch of vanilla is a nice addition.

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Interested in one of the books pictured above? You can purchase on Amazon here.