Vegan Massala Chai on a Snowy Day

Vegan Massala Chai Tea

Wherever you may be on be a cold snowy day, a cup of a massala chai is the perfect way to find comfort and relaxation.  Substitute milk with almond milk for a creamy and luscious alternative to dairy.

Ingredients for 2 cups of Vegan Chai:

1 cup raw almonds, finely ground

2 tablespoons black or green tea

1 tablespoon ginger, minced

2 cups unsweetened soy milk

1 cup water

6 black pepper pods

1 small piece of cinnamon stick

6 lightly crushed green cardamon pods

1 tablespoon honey

Directions:

1.  In a coffee grinder, grind raw almonds until pasty.

2.  In a pot, combine almond paste with soy milk and water.

3.  Add ground spices such as cinnamon, cardamon.

4.  Add mined ginger with a couple of black pepper pods and sweetener, such as honey.

5.  Boil gently for 15 minutes

6.  Strain mixture and serve into a cup.

Indian Street Vendor Making a Cup of Chai

Enjoying Chai at an Indian Dhaba

Iced Hibiscus Tea on a 97 Degree Day

Hibiscus Tea with Ginger and Vanilla Flavor

Hibiscus Flower in Kerela, India

To quench my thirst on this 97 degree day in NYC,  I decided to make a refreshing glass of Iced Hibiscus Tea and sit in front of my fan.  Hibiscus, is also referred to as jamaica or sorrel in the Mexican and Caribbean markets.  It has a tangy, astringent flavor that reminds me of cranberries.  For added punch you can let your dried hibiscus flower steep with minced ginger and/or a piece of vanilla for a couple of hours.  I like mine lightly sweetened with a touch of honey.  

The Bombay Bombshell: Holiday Margarita

The Bombay Bombshell: Holiday Margarita

While celebrating Diwali (Indian celebration) with my friends the other week, I whipped up a mixture of tequila, ginger, cardamom pomegranate and lime juice to create a colorful and refreshing drink.   After a friend tasted my concoction, she named it "the Bombay Bombshell".   I think that's the right name for this festive and spicy cocktail --- perfect for any holiday celebration.  Cheers!

Ingredients for 2 drinks:

4 shots of agave tequila 

1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

2 green cardamom pods, seeds removed and crushed

1/2 cup pomegranate juice

2 limes, squeezed

3 tablespoons of agave nectar or honey

Ice

Directions:

1. In a shaker, add the tequila, honey, ginger, cardamom. lime juice and pomegranate juice.
2.  Stir.  Add ice.

3. Shake and strain into a glass.

Peach Nectar Margarita with Infused Thai Basil

 Peach Nectar Margarita

Peach Nectar Margarita with Infused Thai Basil

Juice of 3 limes
3 shots of tequila
Nectar of 1 over ripe, juicy peach
1 tablespoon of local honey 
Thai Basil
Ice to fill a glass

Makes 3-4 drinks

I love infusing the tequila with some fresh herbs - gives it that garden taste!  My choice of tequila is Don Nachos (100 percent agave).  It tastes like premium tequila at half the price.   I think I might freeze some of this peach nectar.  It will remind me of some great summer days.  Cheers!!