Easy Sweet Chai Latte (Soy, Wheat, Egg, Nut and Fish-Free, Can Be Milk-Free and Diabetic Friendly)

I don't know about you, but when the leaves start to change and the weather gets colder, I long for something hot and flavored with spice.  Chai is a wonderful, spicy tea that fits this bill and it's delicious as a latte.  Unfortunately, lattes are expensive and (a lot of the time) not very allergy-friendly.  Fear not!  There is an alternative, and it's deliciously spicy, much more cost effective, super simple and allergy-friendly!  Hurrah! :)

This recipe I came up with after browsing the web for homemade chai latte ideas.  I came across this recipe at Instructables.com and it looked wonderful, but I wondered if I could simplify it.  I decided to try my own version this morning, and loved the results. :)  It is my hope that you will love the results, too.

This recipe is soy-free (if you use all soy-free ingredients), wheat, egg, nut and fish-free and can even be milk-free and diabetic friendly (see variations)!  That, in my mind, is a good recipe! :)  I hope you enjoy it.



Easy Sweet Chai Latte

1 soy-free Chai tea bag (I recommend Tazo's Organic Chai)

1 Cup water

1 Cup milk

1 Tablespoon white sugar

1. Place all ingredients into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer (just under a boil).

2. Simmer over medium-low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. (You will have to keep an eye on it so that the milk doesn't scorch, but as long as you're stirring it, this shouldn't happen.  How long you simmer it depends on how strong you want the chai flavor to be.  If you want it weaker, go with the 5 minutes.  If you like it strong, go with 10 minutes.)

3. If the bag has broken or if there is a lot of "scum" from the milk (I used skim, so I didn't have this issue, but you may if you use another type), you will need to strain the mixture before enjoying.  If not, remove the tea bag, pour the mixture (which should be hot, but not boiling) in a mug or 2 and enjoy!

Makes 2 Cups.

Variations:

• Milk-Free: Use a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut in place of the milk.  Note that this may revoke the soy-free status of the recipe unless you use a soy-free brand like So Delicious, and will definitely revoke the nut-free status.  This will also change the flavor of the latte.
• Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute in place of the sugar.  You could also use honey, but the change in sweetener will definitely alter the taste.
• Easy Iced Sweet Chai Latte: Let the latte cool and then serve over ice.
• Easy Sweet Chai Latte Frappe: Let the latte cool and add it to a blender along with 1 or 2 Cups (amount based on preference) of ice and blend until desired consistency.  I would start with 1 Cup ice and add more if you want it thicker.
• Other Flavors: Choose your favorite flavored tea to use instead of the Chai, like mint or chamomile.  Note that this may revoke the soy-free status of the recipe unless you use a soy-free tea, and will change the flavor of the latte (obviously).
• Fun Frothy Top: This is a neat trick I learned from my friend Heidi over at One Creative Mommy.  To get a nice frothy top, add the mixture to the blender and blend for a few seconds.  It's genius and works like a charm!  Just be careful not to fill your blender more than 1/2 way or it tends to bubble over (and you don't want to know how I know that! LOL :) ).

(This recipe was originally posted on my original site, Natural and Free.)