A Warming, Immune-Boosting Chai Concentrate (caffeine free)

Inspired by a Nicola Galloway recipe in one of my most frequently used cookbooks, The Homemade Table, this caffeine-free version is quick to mix and can be stored in the fridge. We love it in our house as a base for all things chai-- from chai lattes (just add your favourite milk) to chai biscuits to apple compote! A little of it would probably be good in porridge as well..just saying! It is warming and immune-boosting-- Enjoy! If you don't have ground versions of any of the ingredients, you can use a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder for great results.

Sticky Chai Concentrate (caffeine free)

2 tsp good quality cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground cardamom

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp ground turmeric or 1 tsp freshly grated turmeric root

3 T freshly grated ginger (great tip-- keep whole ginger in freezer and use a microplane or fine grater to grate it frozen-- no need to peel!)

3 T local honey

*Other additions- fresh orange or lemon zest, vanilla, manuka honey

Combine all ingredients in small pan. Heat gently over medium heat until honey is melted and just starting to boil. Turn off heat and let sit for a few minutes to steep. Cool and store in jar in fridge. Stores for a few weeks.

To make Chai Latte:

Place 1 tsp of Chai Mix in mug. Add 1 cup of boiling water and mix. Top up the cup with your favourite milk and get cozy!