The Auckland contingent of Polly Put the Kettle on had a Chai making get together the other day. We made chai, ate food, sat on the back deck and watched ducklings.
We’ll be providing chai as well as other refreshments at KiwiBurn next year. We were thinking that we’d have to try out a few different recipes before finding the perfect chai. Not so, this one is great. Using soy means it’s also vegan friendly (anyone know if vegans eat honey? If not I guess we could replace the honey with brown sugar).
Rowena served the chai on a cute little tray in cute mugs purchased at an Op shop.
Put the following in a pot:
1 Tbsp anise seed
6 green cardamom pods
12 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1/4″ ginger root, sliced thin
1/4 tsp black pepper corns
2 bay leaves
1/2 cinnamon pod
7 Cups water
Boil 5 minutes, then steep 10 minutes:
Add:
2 Tbsp Rooibos tea (or your favourite) then bring to a boil, and simmer 5 minutes:
Add:
6 Tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 Cup soy
Serve!
Here is another lovely recipe I was emailed by Marie (from Traits).
I really enjoyed them as burger patties even though I’m a little uncomfortable with the taste of ginger. It won’t replace my standard comfort burger but it will be a nice change when I feel like going a little more gourmet.
I’ve included Marie’s email text below as I love the way she writes. If you have recipes for me to try email them to me at Kim@WhatKimAte.co.nz.
Pumpkin and Ginger Felafels
“Here is a recipe from Allyson Grofton (food in a minute lady).
We had them just as described but I think would be magic as burger patties! (and can be a change from the regular tofu patty.)
– 250gms firm pumpkin
– 425 gm can cannellini (butter) beans. Drained
– 2 tsp minced fresh garlic
– 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh chilli
– 3 cups fresh bread crumbs
– oil for frying
– 200 gm tub hummus
– 1/2 cup yoghurt
– mango salsa ingredients
Mix the hummus and yoghurt together – cover and back to fridge
In a bowl combine all the mango salsa ingredients – cover and back to fridge
Peel & cook pumpkin in a little boiling water, drain and then put back into pan to dry it out – a couple of minutes, just to its not too wet. In a processor (I don’t have one so I used a potato masher) cannellini beans, garlic, ginger, chilli and 1/2 breadcrumbs.
Season with salt and pepper.
Mould into 12 patties (or burger sized patties) and roll in remaining breadcrumbs.
Fry with a little oil until golden and heated through, keep warm while others are being cooked.
Serve as it or with a plain salad or make mega burgers!
Andrew loves this and I’m looking forward to getting out the barbie and making these bad boys in summer. Keep up the great blog!
Marie xx”
I’m not sure if this drink does any good in a medicinal way but it certainly makes me *feel* better when I’ve got a cold, especially if someone else makes it for me.
I think it’s partly good for the feeling of being looked after (thanks Thomas!). So if you have anyone with winter colds in your household this recipe is for you. Make them feel loved.
Lemon, Ginger and Honey Drink
- Juice of 1 and 1/2 lemons
- 1 tsp of honey
- 1 tsp of grated ginger root
Add all ingredients to a cup of boiled water.
Warning: I like my lemon drink tart so you may need to reduce the lemon or add more honey!
Also, if you’re feeling adventurous you can add 1/2 tsp of crushed garlic. It’s surprisingly good