Recipe for a Snow Storm

They were right!

The weathermen got it right this time, it is a blizzard!   Before I knew just how bad this thing might get, I promised you  a recipe for a snow storm today. We’ll get to that shortly; first, here’s the view outside my window this morning, taken with my new camera I received for my birthday but never got around to setting up until this very snowy morning.  I just hate setting such things up, even simple things like this camera.  But guess what, we are going to have much better pics on this blog from here on out guys.    So without further ado, here’s the view:

The good news:  at this very moment it has cleared some, though the snow is still blowing UP and sideways.  Last night we had plenty of “thundersnow”with high winds gale winds, lightening, hail and what not.  Exciting stuff.  Fortunately, I had champagne on hand to share with my girlfriend upstairs who came down to make the recipe for a snow storm with me!

Let’s get to that recipe.   As most of you know, I am not domestic, which means, I am not much of a cook, among other activities that would fall under the subject “domestic.”   That’s why it is such a surprise to me that I would a.) find this recipe, b.) make this recipe, c.) make this recipe again within a ten day time period.   That says something!

Have you ever had a chai tea latte? Not the kind that comes in a tea bag, though that will do in a pinch.  The best one’s I’ve had are purchased, of course, in an establishment such as Tazo Tea (their Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte..yummy yummy yummy), Starbucks is also good, and some of the very best are found at the small independent coffee shops, or breakfast/brunch type restaurants.    The chai tea concentrates found in stores such as Trader Joe’s are not all that bad.   They come in a large carton.  Not bad.  And then there are the powdered mixes, also available at Trader Joe’s, I even like that one.  Can you tell I like chai tea?

Somehow, while searching for a recipe for a dish to bring to a party a few weeks ago (believe it or not, I am also going to share that one at some point),  I stumbled upon this recipe to make Chai Tea Concentrate. I loved the idea of making this from scratch, it seemed it would taste much better than the store versions that can contain some ingredients we can’t pronounce, and certainly less expensive than the $3-$4 version at previously noted establishments.  There is also just something romantic about making this recipe.   Besides, how great to have a stash of this in the frig to enjoy whenever you want?

The ingredient list is long, and contains a few items one doesn’t normally stock unless you are Martha Stewart.  I had to run to Whole Foods to find a few of these like cardamon pods (what, you don’t stock cardamon pods, tsk tsk!).   So, if you are stuck in the blizzard today, you might have to wait on making this recipe.  Stock up for the next snow storm blizzard.    It’s very easy once you assemble it all and your kitchen will smell heavenly while the tea steeps.

I’m going to pretend I’m a gourmet guru and take you through the steps:

Assemble the ingredients, look, aren’t they so pretty?  I especially like the whole Star Anise, which I had never seen before!  And yes, photos taken with my new camera, much better, would you agree?  Now then, after all the ingredients are assembled, you pour them into a pot of boiling water with the tea bags, and steep for 10- 15 minutes.   Then you strain all this, which doesn’t look all that romantic I realize so I am going to insert a small, less offensive picture of this mess, it’s the tea bags and all the spices (I had to buy a strainer for this btw, you know me well enough by now to know my pantry does not include a strainer): Once strained, pour the tea/spice mixture into a container you can keep in your frig, I would think glass is best.   My niece brought this jar over and I’ve adopted it, again,  you know such an item does not exist in my kitchen though it does now:

Now for the best part!   Pour the chai tea concentrate you’ve just made into a mug, and add milk, typically the ratio is 1/2 tea, 1/2 milk.   Heat and enjoy!

It has officially cleared, I am heading out to take some pics of Blizzard 2011.   Promise you will print out out this recipe and try it sometime, you’ll be glad you did, here’s the link: /http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipesdrinks/amazing-spiced-chai-concentrate/

Thanks for stopping by,

C.