Chew on This | Chai Tea Latte (Concentrate)

The game started at 6:00pm. The threat was there, you could feel it as the clouds steadily rolled in. Yet, we were hopeful. At 5:56pm I felt a drop. At 5:57pm I was soaked to the bone. Parents stood, umbrellas bent, pant legs heavy with rain. The girls on the field, however, acted as if the torrential downpour didn't exist. They ran hard, shot hard, and won the game 12-3.

The Sprite, so thrilled to have had such a great game, came off the field with chattering teeth and blue lips. Once home, a warm shower and dry, cozy clothes were the first orders of business. Second, a large mug of our favorite drink to date - Chai Tea Latte. A beautiful combination of flavors, you can enjoy this drink warm or iced. Either way is a total delight.

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Here's our recipe:

Chai Tea Latte (Concentrate)

4 C water

12 cardamom pods, crushed

6 whole peppercorns

8 whole cloves

4 inch piece ginger, peeled

6 cinnamon sticks

1/2 tsp allspice

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1 vanilla bean, split, seeds removed and added to the pot along with the pod

2 T honey

4 black tea bags

In a large pot, bring to a boil your water combined with all of your spices. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer. Simmer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes remove the pot from the heat and add in your tea bags. Steep tea for 5-10 minutes. Remove tea bags and allow the concentrate to cool. Once cooled, pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean glass container with lid. Refrigerate concentrate for up to two weeks.

To make your Warm Chai Tea Latte:

1 C milk (I used almond milk, use your choice)

1/2 C Chai Tea Concentrate

Warm milk to desired temperature and froth (if you have a milk frother). Warm concentrate and slowly pour into warm, frothed milk. Top with nutmeg or cinnamon. Enjoy!

Also enjoy an Iced Chai Tea Latte:

1 C milk (milk of your choice)

1/2 C Chai Tea Concentrate

1/2 C ice

Place ice into a tall glass and pour your milk and Chai Tea Concentrate over the ice. Sip and enjoy!