Would you like a cup of tea? - Chai Tea, that is

My love of Chai Tea began back in my Corporate America days.  Before becoming a 1st grade teacher, I spent 13 years working in the corporate grind.  Especially as I progressed in my career, I always seemed to be having morning "coffee meetings."  At least once a week, someone would say, "Let's meet for coffee to discuss that."  The problem - I don't drink coffee.  Never have, doubt I ever will.  I've tried to acquire a taste for coffee, but to no avail.  I just don't like it.  What was I to do?  I couldn't very well sit for hours-on-end at Starbuck's or Caribou and drink water, could I?  That seemed silly.  And that's how I discovered Chai Tea Lattes, with their wonderful mix of ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, and other spicy yumminess.

I absolutely love chai!  So, of course, I eventually had to figure out how to make my own at home.  You can buy mixes at the grocery store, and I've tried them all.  They're actually pretty good.  But this past summer I put all the grocery store mixes to the test against a mix recipe I made myself.  I went to the grocery store and bought every mix they had, both powder and liquid ... $40 later, I had a testing line-up set up on my kitchen counter.  Guess what won, at least in my mind?  Yep ... my own powder mix.  And I'm going to share that recipe with you.  If you like chai, I think you'll love this mix.

Now, the "secret" ingredient is cardamom.  I adore cardamom - click here to read more about that.  Cardamom is pricey for a spice - I actually read somewhere that it is the most expensive spice by weight.  A bottle will run you about $10 at the grocery store.  But believe me, it's worth it.  It makes all the difference in this chai mix, and is the ingredient that puts it over the top from a taste perspective.  So I encourage you to splurge!!  And I encourage you to enjoy a delicious cup of chai.

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Chai Tea Latte Mix
Source:  Adapted from a friend

Ingredients
1 c. nonfat dry milk powder

1 c. powdered nondairy creamer

1 c. French vanilla powdered nondairy creamer
1 ½  c. sugar
1 ½ c. unsweetened instant tea
2  tsp. ground ginger
2 ¼  tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/8  tsp. ground cardamom
1 1/8  tsp. ground cloves

Directions
In a food processor, combine all ingredients; cover and process until powdery. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.

To prepare 1 serving:  Dissolve 3 T. of mix in 1 c. boiling water; stir well.

Enjoy!

This post is linked with Flash-Back Friday hosted by Cookin' for My Captain and Cure for the Common Monday {Flashback Edition} hosted by Lines Across My Face.