Chai: The Spice Tea of India

Celestial Seasonings' Mountain Chai, Starbucks' chai latte, gourmet markets, coffee shops -- there are signs everywhere that customers want this new beverage.<br /><br /><br />In this book readers will learn how to make their own delectable versions of chai: customarily a combination of cloves, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, cardamom, black tea, a sweetener, and hot water. Rosen presents chai recipes submitted by enthusiasts from around the world, along with variations including chai latte, iced chai, herbal and flavored chai. In addition, she provides recipes for cooking with chai: tea masala cake, cardamom cookies, and chai scones, as well as suggestions for foods to accompany various tea celebrations.<br /><br /><br />To complete our chai education, we are taken on a voyage through India, the home of chai for centuries, exploring this beverage's cultural traditions and history, punctuated with bits of lore, poetry, music, and quotes. The book concludes with a glossary and a thorough list of sources for spices and blends.