Chai Concentrate

So, while we're on the subject of things-I-make-that-I-store-in-small-jars-in-my-fridge, I thought I would tell you about my chai concentrate concoction.  

I love chai tea and perhaps even more than chai tea, I love a spicy, warm chai tea latte.  Creamy, frothy and perfectly seasoned, a chai tea latte is the fuzzy-blanket of drinks for me.  My comfort drink for those mornings that seem extra tough, or evenings that are unseasonably cool. 

Almost every coffee shop in my city sells their own version of this latte, and while I love them all, I must confess that I don't love their price tag.  Five dollars is a large chuck of money to pay for a drink, at least in my books, and I've known there must be a more budget-friendly way to create my beloved beverage at home.

Luckily for me, I was right.  After perusing a few cookbooks, google searches and a tea book I spotted in my local bookstore, I came up with the following recipe.  A chai tea concentrate I store in my fridge and use to make lattes whenever the need strikes.  I don't add this mixture to each cup of tea I drink, but rather just the times that I feel in need of treat or some comfort.  A heaping spoonful is added to a cup of black tea and voila...a homemade chai tea latte.

It pleases me to know that I have this little gem of a jar in my fridge and my chai tea lattes are only a steeped tea-bag away.  

All I need now, is to find out if there is a way to make wine in jar? 

Chai Tea Concentrate

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 tsp cardamom

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

• Place all ingredients into a glass jar with a tight fitting lid,  and stir until well combined and the sweetened milk is flecked with the incorporated spices.  Store in the fridge for up to 1 month.

To make the tea:

• Add 1-2 heaping tablespoons of chai mixture to a cup of hot black tea.  Stir well until the mixture has completely melted.

Comments

[kerry]

I am seeing this recipe everywhere these days and I MUST make it now. I'll be stopping by the store for some sweetened condensed milk a little later! Yum!

[Aimee]

Lovely!

I came across a recipe once for prison wine, made in a sock with toilet water & moldy bread---but I don't think that is what you are thinking, eh? :)

[Jan Scott]

Oh my - that sounds horrible! But its kind of funny at the same time!

[Cheryl Arkison]

How perfect! I love this. I'm making some tonight for sure. I'm not a coffee drinker, but sometimes you want the treat for yourself while everyone else drinks their fancy coffees.

[Ann]

I made this Thursday night and took it to a women's retreat with me this weekend. It was a hit--everyone loved it. I only used 1/2 t. of cardamom in mine--fabulous! Thanks for sharing this recipe.

[Jan Scott]

Ann - Im so glad it worked out for you.

Sent from my iPhone

[Kevin Walls]

Oh, I love chai tea! It’s my favorite among different types of tea. I actually have my own recipe for chai tea. I add different flavors to my chai tea, like chocolate, fennel, saffron or anything that I want. I also make chai tea milkshakes. Did you know that chai tea is a good antioxidant and digestive aid, and that it's also anti-inflammatory? It’s a very healthy beverage – good for everyday consumption.