Bengali Mama Chai Infusion

I love the apple chai infusion served at Starbucks. Half apple juice, with chai involved as well, it is a super crisp drink that warms my insides immediately. My Bengali side wanted to create something similar, but more chai and spice based and with a little experimenting, my delightful, creamy hot beverage was born. Of course it is simple and easy to make, you'll sip it and will easily imagine yourself on the steps of the taj mahal or the floor of a Bengali Bungalow.


Bengali mama chai infusion 

1 tea bag of Celestial seasonings Bengal spice herbal
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp ginger
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup half and half
1 cinnamon stick for garnish
Water for boiling

Heat a tea pot of water and bring to a boil. 
In mug, drop in honey, cinnamon, ginger, and half and half. Stir to mix.  Tea bag comes in next. When water has boiled, pour over bag and chai mixture. Stir and remove tea bag after 3-4 minutes. Enjoy.

the Best of the Cocoa Buds

In the winter (and most other seasons) I drink hot chocolate like water. It's HOT, chocolaty, and brings the taste of warmth to my lips during an otherwise, usually unpleasant time for me. The winter blues creep up every winter, but with hot cocoa in my hands, I can smile a little more, get dressed once in a while, and put away the sweats.
I've passed on this tradition to my son, Benjamin and he seems to love it as well. His favorite toppings are marshmellows and of course the classic whipped topping. We have a good time together sipping on the hot treat and peeking out the window at the winter wonderland.

you"ll need:
1 packet of swiss mix hot cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla
1 pinch of cinnoman
1 tbs irish cream (for the grown up version, of course)
1 pinch of cayenne pepper

In a large hearty mug, pour mix in cup. Boil water in kettle. Mix rest of ingredients in mug. Once water comes to boil, pour carefully in designated mug. Top with whipped cream and shaved ghiradelli chocolate for extra decadence if you so desire.