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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 8 cardamom pods, smashed
- 8 whole cloves
- 1 vanilla bean, split
- 8 peppercorns
- 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon loose black tea or the contents from 2 black tea bags.
- pinch salt
Preparation
Step 1
It should be noted that for the past two weeks this sweet and creamy blend of spices, milk and sugar has been in a jar in our fridge – replenished as soon as the previous batch runs out for the occasion when a bit of warmth and encouragement is needed in these busy days – so, pretty much everyday.
I find the sweetness here is perfect for an afternoon indulgence but it’s a little too sweet for the morning. Which makes it perfect for adding a bit of strong brewed coffee to the mix to cut the sweetness and add the caffeine needed to start the day. Add more milk if you think it too sweet and don’t care to add more caffeine All of the spices are at their best when toasted before adding to the milk.
In a wide saucepan add the 1/2 cup sugar in an even layer. Set the pan over medium high heat and allow the sugar to melt. If the edges start to caramelize carefully stir the sugar so it cooks evenly. Cook the sugar until deep amber in color and the caramel is smoking.
Remove the pan from the heat then carefully add the milk a little at a time to prevent it from boiling over. The caramel will seize but will melt once you bring the pan back to the heat.
Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, vanilla bean, peppercorns, sliced ginger and tea.
Bring the milk to a simmer, stirring to blend in the caramel. Turn off the heat and allow the spices to steep with the milk for 20 minutes.
Heather
I tried the new chocolate chai at Starbucks this morning and I officially love the idea of adding flavours to chai!
This is a lovely idea for a chai tea! Tomorrow I have the day at home, so I think I will make myself an afternoon batch as a reward, if I manage to get my work done. Your photos are also beautiful. I do believe I have the same white tea cups. I bought them second hand many years ago and still think they’re lovely.
I love to make a chai syrup to add to my daily coffee and this mix of spices looks like it brings the exact right amount of heat + flavor I’m looking for. Cannot wait till my current jar in the fridge empties out and I can whip up a new batch with this recipe!
Kasey – Thanks for being such a great cheerleader. Your encouraging words mean so much to me. Oh I do love an Indian Summer. We had a couple days of that and then suddenly I’m wearing flannel and turning up the heat. Also, now I’m drinking a Spiced Cider Toddy so really there’s not much to complain about with fall.
Such gorgeous photographs! Caramel chai sounds amazing. I might have to make this and sneak some coffee in it, for the mornings.
My baby girl woke up a bit on the early side this morning for a feed (it’s Saturday, darn it!), and while I fed her and listened to the rain, I read this and knew I must make it! Just made a batch and am enjoying it now as she naps. May her nap be a long one so I can enjoy a second cup. Thank you for this little escape from my day!
Love the caramel-y additions to my favorite beverage of all time!
really beautiful pictures, its hard to photograph tea and make it look that nice
just wanted to let you know that you inspired me to make caramel milk. Since I like chai less sweet, I made smaller dosage and use only to pour few drops in my every day chai.
Love love love the sound of this. It is my first autumn of living in Rome and the weather refuses to get really cold enough for hot drinks, rather stubbornly I think. Still, the mornings are just about starting to feel crisp so I have enjoyed my first few cups of chai, spicy and a bit sweet – I like my coffee without any sugar, but chai has to be sweet. I love everything caramel but had never thought to combine the two – might just give that a try next time – you make it sound s delicious and intriguing. And the photos, especially the first two, are total stunners!
Ashley, you are a welcome addiction. I’m melting into this cup. I cannot wait to try all your recipes. Good luck with your book.I’m anxiously awaiting it.