If there is one thing to know about me , know this... tea is to me like cigarettes are to a chain smoker. I have my afternoon tea down to a science! So why mess with a good thing right? Well let's not look at it as messing, simply as adding to the menu/repertoire. My newest obsession started when a Lipton Lady offered me a sample of their Spiced Chai with milk and sugar. Don't get it twisted I've known about Chai tea for a long time just never felt a compulsion to go out and try it (I have my tea fix already taken care of) but sip, sip ..... enter my latest joy "Spiced Chai Latte". I went straight to the hot beverage isle/section and bought a box. After tweeking it a bit I learned it takes more milk and sugar than regular tea and the milk has to be hot. Now onto the part I like best let's make our own Spiced Chai.....
Some quick googling taught me that Chai is basically Black Tea with a combo of spices including but not limited to ginger, cinnamon, clove, cardamon, peppercorns, nutmeg even some orange peel. Also there is no right or wrong spice recipe it's all up to you. So here's what I did to make Kat's Spiced Chai Latte.
SPICES
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves
3 black peppercorns (cracked in half)
1 bay leaf
a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 inch orange peel (dried)
2 tea bags (normal everyday Lipton tea)
1/3 cup evaporated milk
4 tsp brown sugar ( brwon sugar adds it's own flavour)
I don't advise the use of cardamon if ur making less than 4 cups because the flavour is just that strong.
Take the spices and steep in 2 cups boiling water with tea bags for about 10 min, (longer if you have time and want a stronger tea). Bring it back to a boil and add evaporated milk and brown sugar. Strain and volia....Kat's Spiced Chai wholesome goodness. Recipe makes about 2 servings.
This can be served hot, cold, blended into a smoothie any way you like your tea!
I'm happy to report I'm down to 1 cup a day. But trust me, if you're a tea drinker this is one to add to your list. If you're not a tea drinker..... well hunny it's time you became one!
