Masala Chai (The Spice of Life and an Indian tradition)

Tea is now becoming the more favored beverage around the world and with great reason; tea has antioxidants, it's gentle on the throat, it can be enjoyed in a relaxing environment with friends, and family, and the choices of tea flavors are endless. My favorite? MASALA CHAI

In India, masala chai is the national drink that is consumed by most Indians. The scents of cardamon, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger are alluring and they're the key spices that make "MASALA CHAI" so tasty.

Yesterday my good Indian friend from Northern India invited me into the kitchen of her Indian cafe and made me some samosa's, saag panner, and a pot of Masala Chai.Although I've been making masala chai for months it wasa privilege to watch my Indian friend make a divine pot of tea that pleased my tastebuds so much that I consumed a few cups
of this magical tea.

If you want to spice up your life with with a tea that pleases the tastebuds, indulge in some MASALA CHAI and experience some true nirvana.


MASALA CHAI RECIPE:

2 tsp of fresh ginger root ginger, finely sliced
2 tsp whole fennel seeds
1/4 tsp black peppercorns
1 fresh bay leaf
15 cardamon pods
6 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp black tea leaves
1 cup of milk (you can use a milk alternative like almond milk or coconut milk)
4 teaspoons of honey or sugar (optional)

In a saucepan combine cold filtered water with the ginger, fennel seeds, black peppercorns,bay leaf, cardamon pods, cloves, and 1 cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil than cover and simmer for five minutes. Take the pan off the heat, add the tea and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes.

Strain the tea through a sieve into a large jug, add the milk and honey or sugar and drink immediately.

Coconut Juice and Spring Rolls in Thailand

Exotic Thailand is the land of Buddhist temples, royal palaces, enchanting islands, jungles, mountains, and sea. You can watch the monkeys swinging from trees, ride an elephant, come close to a tamed tiger and sip on coconut water on a turquoise beach all in the same day The food in Thailand is extraordinary. While spending a few weeks backpacking through Thailand I indulged in everything from street food to meals at a jungle homestay and I didn't gain weight instead I lost weight. Who can resist eating in Thailand with that kind of perk? Coconut Juice and Spring Rolls were one of my many go to treats. As I sip on coconut juice and indulge in vegetable spring rolls back in North America I long to return to this southeast Asian country that is truly one of the best destination spots on the globe.

COCONUT JUICE: Nature's Thirst Quencher

How to enjoy coconut juice: Mark the top of the coconut with a V and cut the V shape with a big vegetable cleaver. Place a tall straw into the coconut and drink the juice. After drinking the juice of the coconut, scoop out the coconut and use it to make coconut ice cream or other Thai dishes.