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Thu
14 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Build Your Own Chai Tea Lattes

Posted by Erin — No Comments

I’m cold. I’m not complaining, I’m just stating a fact. I’m cold. The weather in the Midwest is chilly. There’s snow. There’s ice. I have been driving to the bus stop less than a quarter a mile away because I’d rather get my exercise indoors this time of year. While, I know January is the month of healthy smoothies and getting fit, I also know that a drink filled with unseasonably expensive fruit and ice is not going to warm me up. Also, January 2016 is known as National Hot Tea month.

My regular readers know, I’m a regular tea drinker and I make all kinds of fun drinks with it both hot and cold (like here, here, and here). However, I have never attempted making Chai Tea. I thought it was time I start.

Anytime I have ever had a Chai Tea Latte it always tastes like it has a little too much anise or not enough cinnamon or something seems missing. To be fair, I am kind of picky with spices. So, I did some research on Chai, and found all of the possible spices that could be in a Chai Tea Latte, added one that is not typically found in Chai but I think is perfect, and made my own version of a Chai Latte that can be made easily at home.

All of these spices could be played around with adjusted or eliminated to your tastes. The old standbys for Chai Tea are cardamom, ginger, anise (or fennel), peppercorn, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon. I added vanilla powder. I thought this would be mild but highlight any sweetener you might add to the drink (I used powder rather than extract so I could let it steep with the rest of the spices and it is also cheaper than always having to buy vanilla beans every time I want to make this drink). Also, I tried to keep everything as coarsely ground or in its original state for steeping. This helps keep the straining process a bit easier and makes it a lot easier to not have chunks of spice in your drink (yuck!)

Also, the best part of making something like this at home is you can use your favorite caffeinated or decaffeinated tea or your favorite kind of milk (skim, whole, 2%, soy milk, almond milk) or even your favorite sweetener (sugar, agave, stevia, brown sugar) if you wanted to get really fancy.

I used 2% cow’s milk and brown sugar.

Build Your Own Chai Tea Lattes (makes two)

2 cups water

2 inches fresh ginger room cut into circles

1 or 2 pieces star anise

1/2 tsp coarsely ground white pepper or a few white peppercorns

1/8 tsp ground nutmeg (grate a whole nutmeg with a microplane)

2 whole cloves

1 whole cinnamon stick

1 tsp vanilla powder (or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract added to the warmed milk)

1/4 tsp whole cardamom seeds

2 black tea bags

3/4 milk of your choice (I used 2% milk)

sweetener of your choice to taste (I added 2 tbsp of brown sugar)

In a sauce pan over medium heat, add water and all the spices.

Bring to a low boil and cook for about 2 minutes. Stirring occasionally.

Strain spice mixture into a heat save container (if concerned about spices in water, strain twice).

Steep tea in spice mixture according to package instructions. I steeped tea for about 4 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a heat safe container or in another sauce pan. Heat milk until just warm. This should take anywhere from 1 to 2 minutes. Pro Tip: If using vanilla extract, add vanilla extract now.

Remove tea bags from spice mixture.

Finally, whisk together tea, milk, and sweetener.

Pour into mugs and serve immediately.

How will you make your Chai Tea Latte? Do you like more cinnamon? Will you leave out the vanilla? What kind of sweetener will you use?

Thu
10 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: A Teabox Review

Posted by Erin — 1 Comment

This post has been compensated with product from Teabox, however all opinions are my own.

I love tea. I will drink it pretty much in any form, and I have written about it several times here on Thirsty Thursday (like here, here, here, and here). So, when Teabox reached out to me and asked me if I wanted to try out some different types of tea that would be delivered right to my house, I of course said YES!

Teabox is a wonderful online tea store offering a wide variety of teas. From black tea, to white tea, blends to basics, it has everything for a tea lover such as myself. Teabox even carries all the accessories you will need to make the perfect cup of tea every time.

My personal favorite part of Teabox, however, is the ability to subscribe to Teabox. That’s right! You can take a short quiz about your likes, and 24 hours later a Teabox is made that will cater to your tastes and a new one is sent every month.

The starter kit, which I received, even comes with a spoon and muslin tea bags for making hot cup of tea right away.

In my first shipment, I received The White Tea Sample Set which included a Summer Assam Oolong, A Spring Darjeeling, and a Darjeeling Ruby.

On the package is all the instructions for brewing the tea, including how much tea to use in your muslin bag,

water temperature,

and steep time.

So far, I love the Assam Oolong. While light it has plenty of flavor, and is even a little sweet.

Here is a short time lapse video I made to show how easy it is to make your own tea using Teabox.

Intimidated by fancy tea? Let @teabox.tea take the guesswork out of it for you. #ThirstyThursday #HomeEveryday #ad

A video posted by Erin Skibinski (@eskibs) on Sep 10, 2015 at 6:51am PDT

In the past, when I wanted a custom or fancy cup of tea for a treat, I would go to our nearby teahouse or a restaurant about a half hour away that brews artisan tea. However, I am not going to lie, sometimes walking to the teahouse or driving a half hour away on a cold day, would not be my favorite task.

Now, with Teabox, I have my own fancy tea right in my own home. If I want, I can have some delivered each month.

Thu
16 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Tea

Posted by Erin — 1 Comment

Happy Thirtea (see what I did there?) Thursday!

One of my absolute favorite beverages is TEA! Hot or cold (or luke warm because I cannot get to it quick enough after folding laundry), with family or alone, while reading or writing, at the soccer field or at my dining room table. I drink a cup almost every single day. Some of my best conversations have happened over a cup of hot tea on a cold evening or even a glass of iced tea on a hot afternoon. Plus with all the ways there are to doctor it up, it’s no wonder over half of all Americans drink it.

I’m not sure if it stems from my Irish ancestry, my Grandma Nano always offering someone a cup when someone walked through her door, my Mom serving up a tray for us after dinner, or my sister’s desire to serve me iced tea when I walk in her home, but for me tea says hospitality, home, and love. It is the perfect beverage when you’re feeling blue, it is perfect when you’re sick, and let’s face it, it is the perfect excuse to have a treat mid afternoon to accompany your tea.

Grandma and Grandpa on their wedding day.

So, with a little help from the inter webs, here are some awesome facts about tea. Maybe you will join me in a cup today.

1. Icey: According to the Tea Association of the USA, Americans prefer their tea iced. In fact, 85% of the tea drank here is cold. I will drink it iced or hot, but if I am going to have it cold it must be perfectly sweet.

2. Caffeination: While most people like a little spring in their step and prefer caffeine in their tea, there are many decaffeinated varieties. Also, here’s a tip from my Grandma if you don’t have any decaf at home and have a guest who prefers the less zippy kind. Steep the tea for about 5-10 minutes, then reuse the same tea bags, or loose tea and brew again with fresh water. The tea will have the same flavor (you may have to steep a little longer), but will be caffeine free!

3. Leaves: I learned this fun tip from my friend Emily (a fellow tea drinker). She told me that Black Tea comes from leaves that are mature and wilted, Green Tea comes from mature leaves which are untitled and sometimes steamed after harvesting help keep their green color, and White Tea comes from leaves that are immature or barely grown.

4. Who Loves It? According to The Richest the top three countries who consume the most tea are Turkey, Morocco, and Ireland.

5. Popular: Tea is so popular across the globe and is one of the oldest beverages around. In fact, according to She-Tea it is the second most consumed beverage. Water is the first.

6. Favorite Stir Ins: Everyone has their favorites, and while I prefer my hot tea black (with nothing in it at all). Many people like to add sugar or honey for sweetness. Others add citrus like lemon or orange wedges for some flavor. Like coffee, there are even people who will add a splash of cream or milk.

7. Tea Time: When my brother lived in Ireland, he told us all about Evening Tea. Which was a light meal which would be served at a time comparable to an early dinner. The largest meal of the day was served in the middle of the day. When I would go to my Grandma’s house after school, we would sometimes have tea while she made dinner. Sometimes while the kids are having afternoon snack, that is when I am making tea for myself. My vote is tea time is anytime.

If you like Tea, check out this Julep Tea or Nectarine Green Tea. For all things beverage related, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

Want to read more about all things domestic with a touch of humor? Become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write such as ChicagoNow or Chicago Parent follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Thu
17 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Peach Iced Tea

Posted by Erin — No Comments

Tea is my drink of choice, and when I get the chance to drink it I do. Whether it be hot or cold, it is the perfect drink for any time of day. However, there are times when the same old iced tea isn’t cutting it for me, and I like to jazz it up. Especially, when soaking in a beautiful evening.

For the middle of July, the weather has been a little cooler than usual. In fact, it has been perfect for sitting outside and watching the world go by. So while the kids eat popsicles or ice cream outside, I have been joining them with a glass PEACH ICED TEA. Peaches are still in season, and you can add some Absolut Apeach for a little adult zing, or leave it out.

PEACH ICED TEA (makes 2 servings)
2 tea bags (I used TAZO Peachy Green Tea)
2 cups boiling water
2 tsp granulated sugar
1/2 peach sliced
2 cups ice
2 shots Absolut Apeach (optional)
mint sprigs for garnish

In a heat safe pitcher, pour boiling water over tea bags. Allow to steep for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in two glasses add ice, peaches, mint, and vodka. Once tea is steeped, add sugar to tea and sir until dissolved. Pour mixture over ice, and serve immediately.

Be careful, relaxing and good conversation may take place.

If you like summertime drinks like iced tea, lemonade or slushies, try this recipe for fresh pink lemonade. Or for all things beverage related, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

Thu
01 ^st

Thirsty Thursday: Two Kinds of Juleps

Posted by Erin — 2 Comments

Saturday is the 140th Running of the Kentucky Derby. All three of my kids are smitten with horses but especially my son, George. Everything is horses! Of all my kids’s obsessions Legos, Wii, Princesses, the horses are my favorite. I love that he has such an interest in such a beautiful animal. We love reading books, and pretending to be jockeys and watching Secretariat over and over again. It must be in our blood. My great grandfather before leaving Ireland for Chicago was a blacksmith.

Since I know we will be glued to the TV on Saturday for coverage of the race, this THIRSTY THURSDAY I thought I should learn how to make some Mint Juleps.

Also, because I cannot do anything traditionally, I made a change as a nod to my Irish roots and used made them with Irish Whiskey instead. In addition, I decided to make a NON ALCOHOLIC version so the kids and and anyone who is refraining from alcohol can join in on the fun!

Irish Mint Julep (makes one cocktail)
2 TBS simple syrup (in a sauce pan over low heat mix equal parts sugar and water and stir until sugar is completely dissolved and cool. Keep on hand for you cocktails for the day.)
1 shot (2 oz) Jameson Irish Whiskey
5 fresh Mint sprigs
1/2 cup crushed iced

In large glass muddle together mint and simple syrup. Pour this mixture over a small glass filled with ice and top off with Jameson. Garnish with another sprig of mint.

Virgin Julep Tea
6 oz Sweet Tea (CLICK HERE for my recipe, you may also steep mint leaves with tea for extra boost of mint flavor)
5 fresh mint sprigs
Sparkling Water or Club Soda
1/2 cup crushed ice

In a large glass muddle together mint and crushed ice. Pour in tea and and stir. Top off with a few ounces of sparkling water or club soda for some fizz and garnish with mint.

Now, time to decide which hat to wear!

This #ThirstyThursday was organized with Red Envelope as part of their #redBar project.

If Juleps are not your thing, but beverages are, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

If you like this post and would like to read more about all things domestic with a touch of humor, become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write such as ChicagoNow or Chicago Parent follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Thu
27 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Perfect Sweet Tea

Posted by Erin — No Comments

I love tea. Hot or cold, day or night, out and about in my bed, well or sick. It is my ultimate drink. I’ve been drinking tea since I was very young, and have always had some on hand. When I drink tea hot, I typically drink it black, unless I am sick, I have it with the teeniest bit of honey. In the summer, I like a big tall glass of sweet tea or an Arnold Palmer.

This week’s Thirsty Thursday, I am going to show you how to make a perfectly sweetened, undiluted sweet tea that tastes like tea and not sugar water. There is nothing worse than when you got to a restaurant and the tea doesn’t taste like tea, or it is too sweet. I also don’t like recipes for sweet tea that dilute the tea with simple syrup or add lots of water.

I know, we are months away from summer, but if you are like me you are craving summer. Personally, I’m craving a day above 10 degrees. The #PolarVortex is back, or should I call her The #PolarWHOREtex. She is drunk on attention and power, and is apparently bringing snow with her this weekend.

No worries, I’m going to lock myself in the house, have a Harold Ramis (one of my all time favorite comedy heroes) movie marathon starting with my summertime favorite Caddyshack and drink gallon upon gallon of this Perfect Sweet Tea, and just pretend it is Summertime. Who’s with me?

Perfect Sweet Tea
12 Cups Boiling Water
4 Black Tea Bags
1/2 cup to 3/4 cups granulated sugar (depending on desired sweetness)
Lots of ice
Lemon for garnish (optional)

In a large heat safe pitcher steep tea bags in hot water for 5-7 minutes. While, tea steeps, fill glasses with ice. Carefully remove bags. To the pitcher add sugar and stir until dissolved. The sugar should stir in pretty easily as water is still very warm. Pour mixture over ice in glasses, garnish with lemon and serve immediately. Store the extra tea in the refrigerator.

If you like this recipe, check out other ThirstyThursday recipes HERE! And if you would like to read more about DIY, gardening, cooking, baking or all other things domestic, become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write follow Home Everyday on Facebook here.