Last year I decided to do something different for Christmas gifts, I put together bags full of homemade cookies, chocolates, spiced nuts, chai spice kits, and gift cards to some of my favorite restaurants. Figured that a culinary gift pack would be well received amongst my family and friends. So, this year as I scramble around and try to top last year’s gift, I figured I might as well share the chai recipe I used just in case you (as in everyone out there desperately trying to come up with something comforting and personal to give to the person who already has everything) are looking for ideas.

Before we start in on the fine details of what goes into a comforting cup of chai, one of the key ingredients is also key to several other dishes, ginger. Ginger is a worthwhile staple to keep around. Related, plant-wise, to turmeric and cardamom, ginger offers its own unique flair. Not necessarily spicy, but I would say, sharp.

Basically, ginger can be used fresh or dried. When used fresh, ginger is mild. But when it’s aged, it’s very potent and can be used in several Indian dishes, as well as Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cuisines in addition to holiday cookie recipes, don’t forget about gingerbread, ginger ale, and chai.

Holiday Chai Recipe (aka. Great Gift Idea):

Makes 4 Pots

• 4 Cinnamon Sticks
• 8 Cardamom Pods
• 12 Whole Cloves
• 1 tsp. Ground Ginger
• 4 tea bags Assam tea

• Tag with the following instructions:
  • Crush all spices
  • Place in a saucepan with 2 cups of water, boil
  • Add tea leaves and 1 cup of milk once spices have boiled
  • Strain into a teapot, serve with sugar