A couple of years ago I found an instant Chai Tea mix (from Stephen’s Gourmet), and it was perhaps one of the better hot beverages I’ve ever had. Naturally, since I liked the brew, I could never find the mix again and eventually gave up looking for it (and apparently Stephen’s Gourmet has quit selling it). A few days ago I inadvertently discovered mention of the brew (as well as a bit of history behind it) at the web site Chai!

 

Chai (pronounced as a single syllable and rhymes with 'pie') is the word for tea in many parts of the world. It is a centuries-old beverage which has played an important role in many cultures. Chai from India is a spiced milk tea that has become increasingly popular throughout the world. It is generally made up of: rich black tea, heavy milk, a combination of various spices and some sort of sweetener. The spices used vary from region to region and among households in India. The most common are cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and pepper.

 

There are also some recipes at Chai!, but I found an easy rendition at the Recipe Goldmine:

 

Instant Chai Tea Mix

(Makes 16 servings)

 

1 C nonfat dry milk powder

1 C powdered non-dairy creamer

1 C French vanilla flavored powdered non-dairy creamer

2½ C granulated sugar

1½ C unsweetened instant tea

2 tsp. ground ginger

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. ground cloves

1 tsp. ground cardamom

 

In a large bowl, combine milk powder, non-dairy creamer, vanilla flavored creamer, sugar and instant tea. Stir in ginger, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. In a blender or food processor, blend one cup at a time, until mixture is the consistency of fine powder. To serve: Stir two heaping tablespoons of Chai Tea Mix into a mug of hot water. Note: You may choose to omit the French vanilla creamer, and use two teaspoons vanilla extract instead. To do so, mix the vanilla into the sugar, let it dry, and then break the sugar into small lumps. Follow the same procedure as above.

 

I’m trying my own variations of the recipe, hopefully in time to add it to Shenanchie’s Kitchen before the update. Yummy stuff!