Golden chai

I want something warm, sweet and creamy.

And this is it, every time. Chai.

But over the years, I've had to cut WAY back on my caffeine and have found that milk doesn't agree with me so much.  And, of course, need to back off that sugar.  Sooooo, I've made this chai for you. 

Golden chai is a fusion of that popular anti-inflammatory golden milk that combines turmeric and ginger with a more traditional chai.

Now "chai" just means "tea" in Hindi. Masala Chai is spiced chi. But I've found that from the Seattle Waterfront to Kathmandu, chai gets me a warm, sweet, spicy, milky cup of goodness. But nearly everyone you meet makes it differently.

The reason I make mine the way I do is this:

• I love a complex spice blend

• It's anti-inflammatory

• It's warm, milky and sweet (which can replace dessert for me)

• It's caffeine-free (though I can always float a tea bag in it later)

• It's dairy-free and low in sugar

You can make changes to suit yourself.  I generally keep a few botanicals around to add that help boost immunity like ginseng, astragalus and rose hips, but don't alter the flavor too much.  

I buy my bulk spices and teas from Mountain Rose Herbs.  

See what you think.  Follow my recipe, then play around with it.  I like making this big batch, straining it, and storing it in canning jars in the fridge to heat up later.

Watch the video of Karen walking you through the process step-by-step!

Shopping for chai spices

In one of her “Shopping with Karen” videos, Karen walks us through how she buys her chai spices.