I love this recipe. The ritual of taking 30 minutes to make this magical creation and the physical relief I feel every time I drink it is amazing.
Elizabeth Gilbert has been a big teacher to me through her book Big Magic and her open sharing on social media.
I, personally, think we need many more teachers like her, sharing the vulnerable, the messy and behind-the-fame parts of their lives. It helps us to understand that these powerful people are human too.
For a little magic, warmth and health in your life this winter, I bring you Big Magic Chai.
Big Magic Chai Recipe
Bring 3 cups of water to boil.
Add:
- 3 Cinnamon sticks
- 1 to 2 inches of ginger, diced
- 1 teaspoon of cloves
- 1 teaspoon of whole black pepper
- About 8 - 10 pods of cardamom, crushed.
Bring it all to a boil, let it simmer, covered, for about 10 minutes.
Add 2 black tea bags. (If you like, you can throw a vanilla pod in there at this time, as well. If you want to go really nuts, throw a star anise in there, too. But be careful. Star anise is the beets of spices — it takes over EVERYTHING.)
Simmer again for about 5 minutes.
In the bottom of the biggest mug you've got, put a tablespoon of honey, a teaspoon of turmeric powder, and a tablespoon of coconut oil.
Take a bit of the chai liquid, put in the mug, and whisk it until the honey, turmeric powder, and coconut oil are all blended.
(Alternatively, you can blend it all in a blender, but it works with a whisk nicely.)
Now fill your giant mug 3/4 of the way with hot strained chai liquid.
Heat up (or froth up) some milk or milk-like substance of your choice. (I go old school, like they do in India, and I always use cow's milk — but feel free to use whatever milk-like product you like.) Top off the mug with the hot milk, and stir.
Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Drink that mother down, preferably while reading a good novel.
WILL CURE ALL*
Heart,
LG