LISA ROBBINS: Don't you just love Chai Tea? It's so fragrant, sweet and delicious. I've tried many commercial versions, and some are very good, but Alix taught me how to make delicious Chai Tea at home for pennies per cup. That is one of the benefits of having a daughter who worked in a cafe for four years!

In clear glass jars, the pretty shapes and colours of the spices and tea leaves show through. Throw on a ribbon and tiny card to make a fragrant and personal gift.

The spices in this tea blend are rich in antioxidants and protective phytochemicals. Most have anti-angiogenic properties, which are helpful in cutting off the blood supply to tumours.

Here is a very simple version of Chai Tea, which must be brewed in a loose tea pot. Use Green, Oolong or Black tea, caffeinated or de-caffeinated. Crush the large spices in a mortar and pestle, with a rolling pin or in a coffee grinder if you wish.

Buy fresh ginger root, slice, then chop in very small pieces. Spread out on a plate and cover with cheesecloth until dry, 3 or 4 days. You can make the blend ahead and add the ginger later if you like, or add fresh ginger slices to your tea when brewing.

Chai blend:
2-3 cups loose Oolong tealeaves
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1 tablespoon cardamom pods, partially crushed
2 cinnamon sticks, partially crushed
1 tablespoon cloves, partially crushed
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, partially crushed
3 tablespoons chopped dried ginger
2 star anise, partially crushed

Blend the tea and spices and store in a tea container or glass jar.

To brew:
Place 2 tablespoons of loose tea in a pot and pour boiling water over. Let steep for 10 minutes.

Serve Chai Tea with fresh raw nut milk and a quick squirt of raw agave nectar, after a spicy meal like, Alix's Chickpea Curry

Tip:
Try tweaking spices, like adding more cinnamon, or crushing it finer, until you get a rich flavour that you really enjoy!

Want more?
To hear stories from people who have healed themselves, read articles, watch videos and download audios on healing your body naturally; for complimentary and delectably delicious recipes, effective cleanses, simple tips and tons of information and resources on natural healing, go to TheGoodWitch.ca

Until next time, Heal Yourself!

Dec 3, 2010 - 8:23 PM

Lisa -

Hi Delores,

You are very welcome. I'm glad you are trying it!

Thanks. Let us know what you think!
Lisa

Dec 2, 2010 - 4:08 PM

Delores Wiltse -

I love the aroma of Chai Tea. I am looking forward to making this ~ thank you!