Chai Spiced Hot Chocolate Food

CHAI-SPICED HOT CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• Combine first 6 ingredients, 4 tablespoons brown sugar, and ginger slices in medium saucepan. Bring almost to simmer, whisking frequently. Remove from heat; cover and steep 10 minutes. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
• Meanwhile, whisk cream, remaining 1 tablespoon brown sugar, grated ginger, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in medium bowl to peaks.
• Strain hot chocolate. Ladle into 6 mugs. Top each with dollop of ginger cream.

CHAI HOT CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, heat cream and tea bags over medium heat until bubbles form around sides of pan (do not boil). Remove from the heat; steep 5 minutes. Remove tea bags; whisk in the chocolates, vanilla and salt until smooth. Return to the heat; cook and stir until heated through. Pour into mugs; top with whipped cream and cinnamon sticks.

WARM SPICED CHAI

Steps:

• In a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle, combine cardamom pods and peppercorns; grind until aromas are released., In a large saucepan, bring water to boil. Add cardamom mixture, honey, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise and ginger; simmer 5 minutes or according to taste. Remove from heat. Add tea bags; cover and steep 5 minutes., Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat milk. Strain tea, discarding spices and tea bags. Stir in hot milk and vanilla. Pour into mugs. If desired, sprinkle with nutmeg.

CHAI-SPICED HOT TODDY

Steps:

• Toast cardamom, coriander, peppercorns, and 5 cinnamon sticks in a large pot over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add ginger and 8 cups water.
• Using a peeler, peel orange zest into long strips about 3" each. Reserve 6 pieces for garnish, then add remaining zest to pot.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in honey and tea. Let steep 5 minutes.
• Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or pot. Divide among mugs and top off with rum. Garnish with reserved orange peels and cinnamon sticks.
• Do Ahead
• Tea mixture, without rum, can be made 1 week ahead; cover and chill.

HOT CHOCOLATE CHAI MIX RECIPE

Steps:

• Place about 12 ounces chocolate and chopped vanilla bean in food processor. Pulse just until chocolate is granular. Transfer to a large bowl.
• 2. Place about 10 ounces chocolate and ground ginger in processor. Pulse just until chocolate is granular. Add to chocolate-vanilla bean mixture.
• 3. Place remaining chocolate, nutmeg, cardamom and peppers in processor. Pulse just until chocolate is granular. Add to chocolate-vanilla bean mixture. Stir well.
• 4. Spoon into half-pint jars or small zip-lock bags. Makes about 7 ½ cups.
• Hot Chocolate Chai: Pour 1 cup scalded milk into a mug. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons mix; whisk well.
• White Christmas Lattes: Combine equal parts strong coffee and Hot Chocolate Chai.
• White Chocolate Chai Fondue: Heat 1/3 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat; add 1 cup mix and whisk.

CHAI-SPICED HOT COCOA

Steps:

• Place cocoa mix into a cup. Gradually stir hot water into mix until blended. Add tea bag. Let stand 1 to 2 minutes, based on desired strength of chai spice. Remove tea bag and discard.
• Top with a serving of Reddi-wip. Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.