So yeah, It's not a secret that I love chai. So very much. In fact, Chai lead to my Starbucks addiction that I'm currently trying to quit without going to therapy. Actually Starbucks doesn't have the best chai- just the most convienant. The best chai is from a company called Big Train. I learned about this one at a coffee house in Nacogdoches. Turns out, the cafe at Nordstrom makes that brand of chai so if you are ever at a Nordstrom- give it a try. The key is, the Chai Nordstrom uses is a powder base and the Chai Starbucks uses is a liquid base. I don't know what is more "traditional" but the power is better. I've tried them all and Big Train is the best... but it's expensive. Given our new budget constraints- I needed to find a way to feed my addiction for cheaper.
I googled powdered chai recipe and tweaked a recipe until I liked it. I've had a few people ask for it so I thought I would post it for you.
This is what it looks like before I mixed it. It makes a lot so be prepared.
1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1 cup flavored creamer (recipe calls for french vanilla but I like chocolate- but you could try something different)
1-1/4 cup sugar (the recipe calls for twice that but we have found it doesn't need it)
1-1/2 cups unsweetened instant tea
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon allspice (recipe calls for cardamom but I can't find that at the store yet)
1/4 teaspoon white pepper (trust me)
Mix em all up, stick the powder in the blender (maybe do this in 2 batches) & blend it up. It will make a super fine powder. Add 2 tablespoons to milk or water. I like milk- it makes it super creamy.
Okay, enjoy and let me know if you are going to try it!