It’s time to welcome back our Guest Blogger, Maddy Bellcroft. This week Maddy shares her chai tea recipe and some Fresh Choice Nelson warming drink recommendations – Find Maddy on Facebook.
I love brewing up a hot chai tea to accompany my fireside reading. Warming and delicious, this spicy, sweet drink is great on a cold winter’s night. Fresh Choice Nelson has a lovely range of chai teas, especially the locally made, Mr Chai; but, just in case you fancy making it from scratch here’s my recipe. It works well with any kind of milk, but almond is my favourite.
Ingredients:
For spice mix
- 8 green cardamom pods
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 2 cinnamon quills
- 2 tsp powdered ginger
- 8 black peppercorns
- To brew (makes 2 cups)
- 2 tsp honey
- 2 cups almond milk
- 1 rooibos tea bag
Method:
- Grind spices in a pestle and mortar, spice grinder or blender until fine. Store the spice mix in a glass jar.
- To brew – In a pot bring milk, 2 tsp of spice mix and tea bag to a simmer for 2 minutes. Remove tea bag and add honey. Taste and add extra sweetener if desired.
- Pour through a fine sieve or muslin into mugs.
If chai tea isn’t your thing try the Pukka tea range of digestive and after dinner teas or warm 2 tspraw cacao, 1/2 tsp coconut sugar and 1 cup coconut milk for a delicious hot chocolate. you can also grate ginger, turmeric and a pinch of cayenne and mix with a little honey and hot water for a real warming kick.