During November and December, blogging really slows down for me. The major reason is it’s really hard to share pictures and processes of things I have made when I am trying to keep those exact things a secret. Another big reason is that I really love to spend that time doing other stuff like going to holiday strolls and baking. Today was no different.
When winter hits, it is finally cold enough to use my oven and I can try out new recipes that I have been sitting on all summer. And of course, I have to make all sorts of goodies for friends, family and neighbors. Since I spent pretty much all day today in the kitchen, I wanted to share two recipes with you. One is an old standby in our house, chair tea concentrate. The other is a new favorite as of today. So let’s get to them!
Chai Tea concentrate
This recipe evolved from a few different ones I found online, none of which I can remember the source of. Now it’s something I make constantly. To tell the truth, I have no idea how long this would last in the fridge because we drink it within three days.
- 5 c water
- 10 bags black tea (the cheap stuff works great)
- 1/2 c brown sugar (do NOT cut this back…it really gives umph to the spices)
- 3″ piece of fresh ginger, sliced thin
- 1 tsp dried orange peel OR 2 tsp fresh orange zest
- scant 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1 vanilla bean
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 10 whole cloves
- 8 cardamom pods, smashed
- 3 star anise
- 10 black peppercorns
Combine everything in a large pot and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Scoop out tea bags, squeezing out as much liquid as possible. Strain out spices. Mix about 50/50 with milk. Add honey if desired.
Date Nut Truffles
This isn’t the original name of the recipe, but I am not a fan of calling them “Inner Goddess Truffles”. Name aside, these are actually pretty awesome and a great alternative to real truffles if you can’t have/don’t want to have processed sugar. Before you let the dates turn you off, take this into consideration: my five-year-old does not like dates, but she was thrilled when I let her lick the spatula clean after we were done. Since I did not make any major alterations to the recipe, if you want the recipe, just follow this link to Pinch of Yum. You will be glad you did.
So now here I am, sitting in my chair drinking cocoa and sharing recipes while looking at the Christmas lights. My Christmas countdown is almost over, so soon it will be back to sharing crafts again. And I can’t wait.
daydreamhouse 