Recipe and Gift Idea: Chai Tea Mix
Post by Olivia Martino, Registered Dietitian and C0-Owner, Nourish Northwest
This time of year everyone is giving gifts in the form of cookies and baked goods. Not that I’m against that (you can send any sweet treats to the Nourish Northwest address, attn: Olivia Martino), but there’s only so much sugar you can take. Why not capture those holiday flavors in another way and send a chai tea mix instead? A cup of warm tea is such a great gift and this mix will last several weeks, long after the cookies have gone stale. While you’re making batches as gifts, make sure to make an extra for yourself as well… you deserve a break!
As always, we purchase spices in bulk (New Seasons or Fred Meyer), which is so much more economical than buying several full jars. You can purchase cute glass jars for the mix at Cost Plus World Market or Ikea.
Chai Tea Mix Recipe
Makes about 12-16 teabags
12 green cardamom pods
1/2 teaspoon whole red peppercorns (optional)
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 tablespoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
1 4-inch cinnamon stick
3 tablespoons chopped candied ginger
1/2 cup loose black tea
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350°
With a sharp knife, split the cardamom pods in half. Place in a pie tin along with the peppercorns, fennel, coriander, cloves and cinnamon. Toast in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the spices are fragrant. Remove and cool.
Crush spices lightly with a rolling pin or in a mortar and pestle. You may have to crumble the cinnamon stick with your hands.
In a bowl, toss the spices, candied ginger and tea together until blended.
Spoon into your container of choice (mason jar, cello or parchment or waxed paper bags, vintage tea tin, etc.) Include fillable tea bags and brewing instructions.
Brewing Instructions
Brewing Instructions
tea for one
1 cup of water
1/2 cup of milk
1 tablespoon of Chai Mix placed into a tea bag
Sugar or honey to taste
Bring the water to a boil and add the teabag. Turn off the heat and let steep for about 5 minutes. Add the milk, turn on the flame and reheat until hot. Remove from heat, discard teabag, sweeten to taste, enjoy!
