Chai!
Pretty Good Chai (For a White Guy)
This stuff is awwwwshum! I'm going to give you the basic proportions, but you'll likely want to double the batch - everyone wants seconds. Make this stuff right before you're about to do something which requires togetherness (for instance, right before cooking supper for your family).
Into a pot on high heat;
6-8 cups water
1 tbsp whole cloves
2 stick whole cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp chopped fresh ginger w/peel
3 tbsp whole green cardamom pods, crushed (bite open)
3-4 black tea bags (orange pekoe)
Let it hit a rolling boil for five to ten minutes. Boiling the tea brings out a little of its' bitter side, and the mixture should look really dark and smell really mysterious. If it doesn't smell mysterious, add another tea bag! Turn heat to low, then add;
1/2 cup brown sugar or honey (sweeten to taste)
2-3 cups soy milk (or cream/milk)
You might want MORE sugar and milk. The idea is REALLY sweet and creamy! (Careful - not TOO sweet and creamy.) Strain into large mugs with a ladle. Offer the cups - always make offerings with two hands touching the object presented. Assume a comfortable sitting position across from your friends/loved ones. Make concious eye contact and smile, then nod. Take a deep breath in, bring the cup to your lips, and sip. Don't worry, even though it feels like your head is about to explode with pleasure, it won't. For a wonderful change, try it with green tea instead of black!
This stuff is awwwwshum! I'm going to give you the basic proportions, but you'll likely want to double the batch - everyone wants seconds. Make this stuff right before you're about to do something which requires togetherness (for instance, right before cooking supper for your family).
Into a pot on high heat;
6-8 cups water
1 tbsp whole cloves
2 stick whole cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp chopped fresh ginger w/peel
3 tbsp whole green cardamom pods, crushed (bite open)
3-4 black tea bags (orange pekoe)
Let it hit a rolling boil for five to ten minutes. Boiling the tea brings out a little of its' bitter side, and the mixture should look really dark and smell really mysterious. If it doesn't smell mysterious, add another tea bag! Turn heat to low, then add;
1/2 cup brown sugar or honey (sweeten to taste)
2-3 cups soy milk (or cream/milk)
You might want MORE sugar and milk. The idea is REALLY sweet and creamy! (Careful - not TOO sweet and creamy.) Strain into large mugs with a ladle. Offer the cups - always make offerings with two hands touching the object presented. Assume a comfortable sitting position across from your friends/loved ones. Make concious eye contact and smile, then nod. Take a deep breath in, bring the cup to your lips, and sip. Don't worry, even though it feels like your head is about to explode with pleasure, it won't. For a wonderful change, try it with green tea instead of black!
Labels: Recipes
