Chai Love

When the fine folks over at Prudent Baby asked me to share a DIY the first thing that came to mind wasn’t exactly crafty, but, surprise, surprise – tea related! You all know by now what a vital role tea plays in my life.

I’ve actually wanted to share this recipe with you all for quite a while now and I really hope you’ll all give it a shot.

Ingredients:
♥ 3 cups of water
♥ 1 cinnamon stick
♥ 10 cardamom pods
♥ 8 whole cloves
♥ 1 cup of milk
♥ 5 teaspoons sugar (or to taste)
♥ 4 teaspoons of loose black tea (or you can use 3-4 teabags)

First, grab your mortar & pestle to crush up all of your spices. Pour the water into a saucepan, add the spices & bring to a boil. Cover & simmer on low for about ten minutes – you’ll already be drooling at the aroma which will have consumed your entire kitchen at this point. Now add your milk & sugar and bring back up to a simmer. (You can also finish the recipe without adding sugar at all so that everyone may add as much or as little sugar as they’d like to their own mug.) Once you’re simmering again, toss in your tea leaves (or bags), cover & remove from heat. After a few minutes, strain into cups & enjoy!

Feel free to play around with this recipe to suit your own tastes. If you don’t want as much clove, ½ the portion, or if you want a creamier tea, add more milk – have a sweet tooth? Add more sugar, or even honey! This is a very customizable recipe so enjoy & have fun with it.

Simple, tasty & straight from the Indian food restaurant that I worked in when I was younger. (Side note: The restaurant has since changed hands & is now a Thai place called Karma's which was actually featured on Restaurant Makeover a few years back.)

This tea tastes best in the company of friends, family, or curled up in a cozy chair with a good book or a favourite movie.

I believe it’s guaranteed to bring smiles & warmth!

Peace.