Homemade Chai Tea

Autumn brings out the warm cozy scent of cinnamon from corner bakeries and pretty coffee shops all around town. This is when I crave my homemade chai tea recipe.

Cinnamon, cardamon, ginger, nutmeg and ground cloves all are known for their powerful health benefits. They work to slow the absorbing of carbohydrates, and lower blood sugar. Each spice is power packed with polyphenols, which is why this tea is antioxidant-rich!

Be sure and look for Ceylon Cinnamon. It's sister is Cassia and is a cheaper-lesser version of the 'true' Ceylon Cinnamon. More than a teaspoon of Cassia daily might lead to liver toxicity and damage the kidney because of its coumarin content. Make sure you read labels. The FDA in the US allows both to be labeled as cinnamon.

Directions:

Chia Powder
-Obtain a small glass container that can hold a little over 1 Cup. Make sure it has a secure lid.
- Measure the Ceylon cinnamon and place in the container. Repeat for all the rest of the ground spices. Keep in a cool dark place.

Making the Tea:
- Measure 3 cups of warm water into a standard 24 oz ball jar.
-Add 3 black tea bags and let steep until the tea flavor is released. Remove tea bags.
-Add 2 heaping to 3 teaspoons of the Homemade Chai Powder into the tea.
-Shake the container well.
-In a small pot, heat a cupful at a time (or however much you'd like to drink) on the stovetop.
-Add your favorite milk to taste. Coconut, goat or almond milk.
Note: Frothing the milk adds beautiful texture to the drink, but it's not necessary. Also, adding an additional tsp of honey is optional.