You know that I rarely share anything useful that’s related to the kitchen end of the house. But I’m relatively good at reading directions, and putting various ingredients into a container. In fact, despite last year’s nightmare before Christmas mishap, our whole family has become rather proficient at creating fun dry mixes for family and friends.
So when I found this recipe for spiced chai tea mix, I knew I’d found this year’s teacher gifts. We love chai tea, but it’s such an expensive treat, we rarely endulge. Because many of the spices were already in my pantry, it cost a total of $22 for about a gallon of dry mix — probably one-third the cost of store-bought dry chai mix.
Ingredients:
* 1/2 cup instant tea
* 1 cup of sugar
* 1 cup of dry milk
* ½ cup of dry creamer
Spices:
* 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
* ½ teaspoon of salt
* ½ teaspoon of freshly ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
* 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
* 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne (careful, careful!)
Spoon a couple of heaping teaspoons into a mug of hot water, stir, and Voila! Steaming chai tea. Of course, you can add more or less to taste, and you can vary the ingredients to match your love of spices.
It was an easy mixture for both kids to make, and we had lots of practice figuring out fractions as well. We measured all the amounts with only the half-cup and 1/4 teaspoon. My eight- and eleven-year-old often had to think twice, but measured accurately. They’re very excited to give their home-made gifts. Works for me!
What’s your favorite teacher gift?
Visit Rocks in My Dryer for more great tips.
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11:48 pm
That sounds great! And, I need a good gift idea right now. I think I’ve found it!
11:52 pm
Wow! That sounds great! I love Spiced Chai tea. I am printing this off now!
Blessings,
Vickie
11:53 pm
This is a sophisticated twist on a traditional gift. Thanks for sharing the inspiration.
12:05 am
Great idea! And great picture!
12:08 am
Oooh, I LOVE chai tea. In Hebrew, the word means “life”, something which obviously resonates deeply in my writer’s soul. As a writer, chai tea is a regular part of my daily routine. Thanks for this amazing guide…you’ve inspired me to make my own!
Hope you have a wonderful WW. I’ve posted my contribution here and hope you drop by for a look around:
http://writteninc.blogspot.com/2007/12/wordless-wednesday-push-envelope.html
All the best…
Carmi
12:35 am
Ohh great idea. I like to drink tea occasionally..very nice shot too
1:20 am
Looks good to me!
2:15 am
What a great way to get your kids applying their knowledge of fractions! And such a thoughtful gift for tea-lovers! Great job!
My WW is here.
5:26 am
Makes me wish I drank tea. But great recipe all the same.
Happy WW!
5:41 am
Sounds delicious! Thanks for the recipe. God bless.
9:18 am
Oh what a great idea! A neat alternative to hot cocoa mix, and so simple, I may just make myself some for a stocking stuffer.
9:20 am
I am printing this out right now! What a great gift idea!
9:46 am
this sounds fun!
i love chai tea.
and i also love to join your blogging chicks blogroll. I have sent you an email = )
9:46 am
Very cool photo! Thanks for the great recipe.
10:00 am
Thanks for the recipe.. I love Chai Tea
10:14 am
This would be the perfect thing to add to the pancake breakfast basket I’m putting together for my aunt and uncle this year!
12:13 pm
As a teacher myself, I just had to see what this gift idea was — and you are so right! I would love to receive this! I have to tell you, even though I greatly appreciate the thought and the effort, I dread all the fudge and brownies (my kids and husband don’t, of course). They’re always too delicious, and I have to wear my chubby-teacher clothes come January (no, I do not have will power).
So, anything that’s thoughtful that doesn’t add paunch would definitely work for me!
12:33 pm
What a fun idea!
I think I’m giving teachers, aides, etc. all homemade notecards.
12:46 pm
Awesome! I’m bookmarking this page to make your tea this weekend. THANKS!
1:43 pm
We make chai each year and I love this stuff. I have a recipe for a vanilla chai and I mix it up for gifts each year. I love your picture!!
2:01 pm
Great share! I love homemade things. I’m hoping to get a post up later about all the homemade stuff that’s keeping my kiddos busy this month!
Hugs,
Holly
2:42 pm
How cool. It sounds wonderful. Have a great WW.
5:16 am
This sounds great! And it’s a perfect idea.
Thank you so much!
Our teacher gift is a candle.
She asked candles, and they’re not supposed to be big.
She gave the size…. no contest there. LOL!
Feel welcome to visit my blog
Laane on the World
Have a great day!
10:04 pm
I love chai tea, so I WILL have to try this
6:36 am
That is a terrific idea. I love it. Thanks.
2:48 pm
Merry Christmas
It is people like you who help so many peope like me, my son gets help at our children’s hospital. Thank you on behalf of us Mothers with kids who need that sort of sweet help.
7:39 pm
OH, Thank you! You’ve saved me.
1:03 pm
I love chi tea, but don’t get it too often because of the price. I was so excited to find this post! Thanks!
9:59 pm
Love this idea. Chai is awesome, and it’s always great to try out new recipes. I think any teacher (or relative) would be totally rapt with this gift.
12:55 pm
Love your humor and wit…great site