Cocoa Chai {a recipe}
Thursday, April 9th, 2009
Hi Everybody! So, I was up late and had a major craving for a cool smoothie, but since I did not want to wake everyone in the house up with my incredibly loud blender, I changed my mood to something warm. Anyhow, I came up with this super easy and quite delightful chai inspired recipe. Its made with sweet & spicy spices and a dash of cocoa which leaves a silky, smooth, sweet, & chocolate aftertaste! Ok, have I convinced you enough to try it? Here is the recipe.
Tip: You can cool this recipe off by chilling it in the fridge and garnishing it with some shaved chocolate and whip cream or serve along side a scone, or biscotti, or a light shortbread cookie!
For The Spiced Tea Bags:
1/4 tsp: of: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Black Pepper, and Fennel Seeds
2/4 tsp. Cardamon
1 clove
2 Pieces of Muslin or Light Cotton, cut into squares
Cotton String
For The Tea Base:
2 C. Sweetened Vanilla Almond Milk (I used the Blue Diamond Brand)
1 small Black Tea Bag
1/4 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract
1/4 tsp. Unsweetened Cocoa
2 tsp. Sugar
Directions: Take your first cloth square and place all of your spices except your cardamon in the center. Pull up the sides and tightly tie a piece of string around the top to close(as seen in the photo above). Do the same with your other piece of cloth for your cardamon. Make sure you have your cloth tied tightly as you do not want any spices coming out.
Now take a saucepan and pour in your milk, put in your small black tea bag, your two handmade spiced tea bags, and your vanilla. bring to a light boil. bring it down to a simmer and let your tea steep for at least 15-20 minutes. For a stronger blend, you can let your tea steep much longer . Now whisk in your sugar and cocoa until both have dissolved. Pour into your favorite tea cup and enjoy!
Tip: if you want a spicier tea, simply add more ginger to your spiced tea bag.
