Chai – Spiced Black Tea Latte

I found something new at BJ’s today.  They had cartons of Tazo Chai in three packs and for the bargain price of $2.99 after a $2 instant rebate.  This spice tea of India is, to me, a delightful beverage.  I like it with a base of strong brewed Assam.  Although I’ll probably never taste the real deal in India, sold everywhere by chai-wallahs (tea sellers), there are still many types to enjoy here in Georgia.   

                   

The Tazo Chai is very convenient to make a quick cuppa.  Just mix equal portions of the concentrate with milk, soy milk, almond milk or whatever you prefer.  It can be served hot or cold.  Although it contains honey, I like to add a little extra.  Their recipe also includes black pepper, which I usually don’t add to my own recipe.  Cardamom, ginger and cloves are always added when I make chai.  Cinnamon, allspice, pepper and fennel are also good.

                   

This cup of tea does not look very strong, probably because I go easy on the concentrate to cut down on the bite of the pepper.  Although I prefer my chai made with black tea, there are many commercial preparations made with green tea or herbal tea.

For convenience, I keep a jar of condensed milk mixed with spices in the fridge.  It will keep for a long time. Then I can make a quick cup of chai whenever I like.  Just mix 1 tsp cardamom, 1 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cloves and 1/2 tsp nutmeg into 14 oz of condensed milk.  I like to use the low fat sweetened kind.  To make a cup of chai, brew a strong cup of black tea and stir in 1 or 2 heaping teaspoons of the spiced milk.  Easy!