I like Chai, but it's pricey to order at coffee shops, and the store bought teas and mixes aren't the same. I was thrilled to find this recipe on allrecipes.com today, and wanted to share it with any fellow mommysavers who like Chai. I added the extra nutmeg and allspice, but omitted the pepper, blended it in a food processor, and made it with milk instead of water. Delicious!

CHAI TEA MIX

You can spice it up even further by adding 1 teaspoon nutmeg and allspice, and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper. If you don't like it too sweet, start with 1 cup of sugar or Splenda and go from there.

Ingredients:

1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1 cup French vanilla flavored powdered non-dairy creamer*
2 1/2 cups white sugar or Splenda (depending on taste)
1 1/2 cups unsweetened instant tea
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cardamom

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine milk powder, non-dairy creamer, vanilla flavored creamer, sugar and instant tea. Stir in ginger, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. In a blender or food processor, blend 1 cup at a time, until mixture is the consistency of fine powder.
2. To serve: Stir 2 heaping tablespoons Chai tea mixture into a mug of hot water.

Servings: 36

* FOOTNOTE
You may choose to omit the French vanilla creamer, and use 2 teaspoons vanilla extract instead. To do so, mix the vanilla into the sugar, let it dry, then break the sugar into small lumps. Follow the same procedure as above.

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Attaining financial freedom is like eating an elephant . . . it takes one bite at a time.

So this is a thumbs up? Hmmm I'm going to have to try it. I've never bought instant tea before. It so seems to go against my nature.

I know, I don't usually buy instant tea either. But, I wanted an easy way to make Chai once in a while and don't love the chai tea bags. After making our first batch of this one, DH and I agreed that even cutting the Splenda down to one cup, it was still pretty sweet for our tastes. Next time, I'm going to start with half a cup. I prefer to add honey to it anyway.

I think it'll be good for cold, frothy Chai drinks in the summer, too

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Attaining financial freedom is like eating an elephant . . . it takes one bite at a time.

I have found the ultimate Chai Tea Latte recipe! My family can't get enough of it. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

2-Lipton Tea bags
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground Ginger
1/4 tsp ground Allspice
10 cups water
2 c milk
1/2 c packed brown sugar
4 Tbsp refridgerated French vanilla nondairy creamer
Whipped topping and ground nutmeg, optional

Place tea bags, cinnamon, ginger and allspice in the coffee filter of a drip coffee maker. Add water; brew according to manufacturers directions.

Meanwhile, in small saucepan, combine milk, brown sugar and creamer. Cook and stir over medium heat until heated through and sugar is dissolved. Pour milk mixture into mugs; stir in tea. Dollop with whipped topping and sprinkle with nutmeg if desired. Makes 6-8 servings.

We fill our coffee mugs 1/4 to 1/2 full of milk mixture and then add tea. This also makes your house smell wonderful in the wintertime. Enjoy!