We just whipped up a batch of chai concentrate intended for holiday gifts. Only problem: the mix is so delectable that we want to devour it ourselves! Fortunately, it is very easy to make.
We have posted a homemade chai concentrate before but this recipe from the Oregonian is a bit different. Made with sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and ground cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, this is a gift that requires no time on the stove – just mix it up, put it in a nice jar, and include a tag with instructions. To use it, stir a couple of teaspoons into a cup of hot black tea. The concentrate melts into the tea, making it rich, creamy, and sweet.
Speaking of sweet, the original recipe calls for granulated sugar, which could be omitted if you feel the condensed milk is sugary enough. You could also experiment with the spices, perhaps including flavors like ground ginger, black pepper, and fennel. The concentrate should be stored in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to six months ... but we can't imagine it sitting around for that long!
• Get the recipe: Chai Concentrate (The Oregonian)
Related: Edible Gift Idea: The Best Chai Tea Mix!
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I tried this recipe when I ran across it on Amy Karol's Angry Chicken blog a few weeks ago. I'm now making a batch weekly and stocking up on sweetened condense milk on holiday sale. LOVE IT! I do leave out the sugar, I don't think it needs it. I'd like to try to make a version that is milk-free for my husband who is lactose-intolerant. Any ideas for a good substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
I made a chai tea mix for gifts this year.. it's been a big hit! http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chai-tea-mix/detail.aspx (I used vanilla sugar instead of vanilla creamer and less sugar, per the comments)
@fabricwench, I used to make chai concentrate with just the spices, and then I would add in the black tea near the end. I would mix it in with either hot or cold soymilk. You can use brown sugar or honey to sweeten it.
I found this: http://www.veganwolf.com/recipes/basics/swcondmilk.htm
Anybody have success with vegan substitutes? It seems like a lotta sugar ...
I bet this would be great in coffee, too!
Sounds delicious and I agree, not sure why the tsp of sugar is needed.
I just tried this and love it. I agree that the mix is plenty sweet without the sugar. Any suggestions on how to preserve without refrigerating? Is it possible to can this in a jelly jar without the acidity that you usually put in jams?
Oh, thank you thank you thank you!!!
Made this and put a spoonful in my coffee this morning.... its DELICIOUS! thank you
I made a double batch tonight and added a 1/2 tsp of powdered ginger and a dash of white pepper. The final product is so close to real chai!
I'm so excited to make this - It's the perfect last minute gift!
Sipping hot tea with this right now -YUM! I skipped the extra sugar, added ground ginger and black pepper, and increased the nutmeg slightly (because I misread the amount). A keeper.
A great vegan substitution that I posted about over on From Scratch Club (http://fromscratchclub.com/2011/11/02/edible-gift-homemade-chai-tea-concentrate/) is using cream of coconut in place of the sweetened condensed milk. It's thick, creamy and sweet! If the original recipe is too sweet for you, you may also want to reduce/eliminate the sugar when using the cream of coconut.
i love this recipe! it's delicious and easy, and VERSATILE! it's great in tea but i recently found another great use...I make oatmeal nearly every morning, but i don't do the instant flavoured stuff they hock in the stores. i use quick oats, and add flavours myself, followed with boiling water. works PERFECT with this recipe. just add a good spoonfull to your oats, add some raisins, and add the boiling water. CHAI OATMEAL. its amazing. thanks for sharing a great recipe. :)
Love it! Easy to make, tasty and great gift:) I like to leave out the sugar, add some vanilla extract, double the amount of spices for som extra 'oomph' and then add a bit of 5 spice powder (wanted to add anise and ginger, but was fresh out of both... So decided to experiment and in went the 5 spice. Turned out to be really yummy!). Delicious!
Love this in tea and oatmeal!