WHAT’S BREWING in my mug this winter
I am a connoisseur of hot chocolate and tend to sip quite a bit of it… more than I probably should. I enjoy experimenting with various concoctions, using a variety of high quality chocolate. You can make the best hot chocolate at home in just a few moments. One of my favorite hot drinks this winter is hot white chocolate chai. Frothy goodness in a mug. Use the best white chocolate you can find. I prefer a good Belgian chocolate, such as Callebaut white chocolate callets. My preferred chai at the moment is “Firefly Chai” by Mountain Rose Herbs. It is a delicious loose-leaf organic rooibos chai.
INSTRUCTIONS 1/2 cup very strong chai: Steep 2 Tbsp loose leaf chai in 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp boiled water for 20 minutes (keep covered so it remains hot while steeping). Strain or use a coffee press. After the tea absorbs some of the water there should be approximately ½ cup remaining. Heat 1 cup whole milk on the stove to desired temperature and whisk in 3-4 Tbsp white chocolate (callets or chopped) and 1 tsp pure maple syrup. If you have a frother (the Breville Milk Café works wonderfully, or an inversion blender), whip the hot milk & chocolate together, then whisk in the tea. Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream, a toasted marshmallow and sprinkle with cinnamon or stir in a cinnamon stick. Enjoy this cozy, decadent drink!
