Spice up The Holidays at Chai Tea Class
The last few years have seen phenomenal growth and interest in chai (pronounced as a single syllable that rhymes with “pie”) tea due to the exotic flavor. The Saturday, November 19 class at the Atrium Tea Room and Cafe in Sheboygan Falls will focus on chai tea and the spices that comprise it. The class is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. and run to 12:30 p.m.
Chai tea starts as a rich black tea; heavy milk, a variety of spices, and a sweetener complete it. The spices used differ from the region in India that is making it, but the most common are cardamon, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and pepper.
The simplest, traditional method of preparing chai is to simmer or boil a mixture of milk and water with loose leaf tea, sweeteners, and whole spices. A wonderful aromatic experience from the mix of spices and herbs results while brewing. The solid tea and spice residues are strained off before serving. As an alternative to the hot tea format, cold chai beverages range from simple spiced iced tea without milk to a slush of spiced tea, ice, and milk.
During the Christmas season, a quick chai can be made by combining plain tea with eggnog as a convenient, pre-spiced, presweetened dairy product. It’s tips like this, along with recipes and serving suggestions that class participants will learn about. Attendees will also quickly recognize that chai tea spices are the same commonly used in holiday cooking and baking.
This class offers a chance to enjoy a variety of samplings of tea and three savory cuisine courses to accompany them while attendees take some time for themselves before the real hustle and hectic pace of the holidays begin. Recipes and handouts are included in the class fee which is $25 per person. Reservations are required. Attendees will receive extra discounts on merchandise throughout the tea room and store the day of the class.
Tea artisans Martha Vande Leest and Kathryn Schwark, trained by STI, the leader in the tea industry, will be instructors for the class. Both have also received extra training from International Tea Specialists at the World Tea Conference.
The “Spice Up Your Holidays” chai tea class will be held November 19 starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Atrium Tea Room and Cafe located in Richardson’s Furniture Emporium at 202 Pine Street in Sheboygan Falls. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 467-6659 or e-mail kschwark@richardsoninds.com
