White Chocolate Chai Tea

Hi Guys! Since I will be having my very own "labor day" all too soon, I took the weekend off from blog cooking, had a little fun and tended to neglected odds and ends. {Like finally going to Buy Buy Baby to look at baby things. Yikes. More on that another time.}That means that I totally forgot to announce the Lindt Excellence Chocolate Gift Box giveaway winner!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congrats to Danielle M.! You've got some major yumminess coming your way!

If you didn't win, don't be sad. There's always next time. But in the meantime, why don't you sip away your blues with a nice cup of White Chocolate Chai Tea?

I posted this recipe long, long ago and it seems to have faded into obscurity though it most certainly deserves the spotlight. With everyone in a frenzy about pumpkin spice lattes and what-have-you, I thought I'd reblog this oldie but goody for those of you who, like me, aren't particularly into the pumpkin beverage obsession. {Fear not, I do plan on sharing some pumpkin recipes... as soon as the temps come out of the 90's. Ugh, Florida.}

I admitted a while back that I much prefer chai anything over pumpkin spiced this-and-that. That's just how it is. Judge away. I usually keep this little tidbit to myself for the most part {like it's controversial or something} because you Pumpkin Spice nuts are a crazy lot when it comes to defending the PSL.

Call me crazy, but chai is also full of warm, spicy goodness. It even shares some of the same flavors as the illustrious pumpkin spice -- cinnamon & ginger, to be exact. For whatever reason, it makes my taste buds happy and makes me think of fall as much as the "other" spice blend.

This chai tea is even more scrumptious thanks to the healthy dose of creamy white Lindt chocolate that melts away into the hot beverage. So good. Even better when it's not 100 degrees outside. I may pack this in a thermos and drive north.

Now that Labor Day has passed and everyone seems to be in a Fall-minded mode, there's no better time to bust out this simple beverage and "spice" things up. Don't worry, pumpkin will have it's turn, too. ;)

White Chocolate Chai Tea
from Lindt USA
Yield: 4 servings

2 cups water
2 chai tea bags {I use Twinings French Vanilla Chai}
2 cups milk of your choice
1 (3.5 oz) Bar Lindt White Chocolate, chopped or 3.5 oz of white chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Bring water to a boil a saucepan (or microwave-safe container).
2. Add tea bags, remove from heat and allow to steep for five minutes. Discard tea bags.
3. Using a saucepan or microwave, heat the milk until steaming.
4. Place chocolate in a small bowl and pour ¼ of steaming milk over chocolate - stir until chocolate is melted and smooth.
5. Add the chocolate mixture into the hot milk; pour in chai and vanilla extract and stir.

Serve hot in tea glasses or mugs.

A Gift Guide for Holiday Cheer{s}

On Monday, I posted about how to create the perfect cheese board to suit your holiday party needs. I mean, a gorgeous spread that doesn't require an ounce of cooking? How can you not be sold?? Naturally, thinking of nibbling on cheese gave way to thoughts of sipping on wine... or beer... or whiskey. {Oh, c'mon, I've already admitted my fondness for the stuff a while back.}

Cocktail parties are a fun tradition at this time of year, spending time with friends while sipping on festive libations. How about reciprocating the hospitality by bringing your host or hostess a little gift?

My friends at RedEnvelope asked if I would share some of my favorite bar, wine & beer finds from their products... and I almost ended up with a shopping cart full of things for myself!

RedEnvelope carries all kinds of goodies for every person on your list with LOTS of personalized options. I've gotta admit, I am a sucker for a monogram or an engraved gift, so I'd be happy to receive just about anything in one of their signature red gift boxes! But, for purposes of today's post, I'm going to dive right in to gifts for cocktail enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs alike, so grab a seat at the bar and check out some of my top picks!

For the Home Brewer

Home brewing has become all the rage in the past few years; its a hobby that has piqued the interest of beer drinkers, calling them to create their very own custom brews at home. Know someone who has "hopped" onto the brewing bandwagon? {Seriously, I can't even stop myself.} How about gifting them with some barware to show off their concoctions?

I loved this personalized pitcher {$29.95}, ideal for showing off their latest lager...

Or how about a customized bar sign {starting at $79.95} or craft beer barrel sign {starting at $99} to give visitors a clue that good beer happens here? {These gifts totally reminded me of my blogger friend Sloane & her hops-lovin' hubby over at Life Food & Beer!}

 

For Those Who Like to Craft a Cocktail...

Thanks to the rebirth of the speakeasy {and hipsters. Let's give them some credit, too.} cocktail culture has come back in full force across America. The old fashioned art of a well-crafted beverage is hotter than ever, but dimly-lit lounges aren't the only ones who can shake and stir their way to crafty goodness...

Craft Cocktails by Brian VanFlandern {$49.95} is the ultimate guide to mixing up cocktails like the pros. Recipes, tips and gorgeous photography make this book a beautiful gift and a gorgeous coffee table book. {I've actually leafed through this book myself. Stunning.}

Put all that studying to practice by stocking the self-made mixologist with all the right gear. I love the look of these classic pieces: Engraved highballs {$57.95} and an elegant stainless steel shaker {$36.95} featuring fun cocktail-related sayings.




... And Those Who Use Cocktails for their Crafts!

If you're anything like me, Pinterest has got you in a crafting uproar saving old bottles, wine corks and other assorted items you never used to give a second thought to tossing. {I recently made my own wine cork wreath. And yes... I totally nailed it.} Well, keep your corks, friends.

How cute is this personalizable wine tray cork kit {$49.95} for displaying the remnants of some of your favorite bottles? This kit is cool because you can use your own corks, or purchase custom corks {$14.95} that are personalized with the recipients name and a special year.

Have a friend that would rather consume the results of their creativity? This Homemade Gin Kit {$49.95} will let your pals see what goes into creating a palatable spirit AND allow them to enjoy the fruits of their labor. {No bathtub required.}

For the Wine & Cheese Lover

So, we've covered the beer drinker, the cocktail crowd... and now we've come to the oenophile. Sure, you could pick up a nice bottle of wine, stick it in one of those tall, obvious gift bags and call it a day. But how about giving the gift of time instead? Ok, maybe it's not exactly that, but every second counts when a wine lover is waiting for their bottle to chill. I know I could get a lot of use out of this instant wine chiller {$49.95} at the end of a long day when I just want a nice crisp glass of white, stat!

Another present that shows you really understand the needs of your wine-loving friends? These handy wine appetizer trays {$39.95}. They let you nibble and sip comfortably without juggling glasses and plates. Because, who among us hasn't experienced that awkward moment when you have to choose between the two?

For the Shot Taker

Um, so, admittedly, I am not the girl you will find tossing back shots. However... if anything were to prompt me to indulge, it would be pretty glassware like these celebration shot glasses, beautifully engraved with the sentiment of "cheers" in different languages.

Better yet, how about shot glasses that actually enhance the flavor of the liquor? This Himalayan salt tequila set combines beauty and functionality... no need to lick and salt the back of your hand. {Not that I've ever done that or anything.}

Clearly, RedEnvelope knows what's up when it comes to gift options. No Christmas ties and fruitcakes here. So, treat your cocktail-loving friends to gifts that are sure to bring good cheer to any party and toss in a bottle of aspirin for good measure. {Kidding, of course. Always drink responsibly!}

And speaking of tequila and good cheer, I've got a special cocoa treat that will instantly warm up your holiday gatherings: {Spiked} Mexican Spice Hot Chocolate.

The hint of warm spices {and tequila, if you wish} will keep you from feeling the chill in the air as you sip this twist on a cool weather favorite. Cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of chili powder are just a few of the flavors that will make this an instant favorite.

Give it some grown up flair with a little shot of Patron "XO Cafe" {or their Cafe Dark Cocoa} or even some Kahlua. No matter how you serve it up, it's sure to be a hit.

Disclosure: My friends at RedEnvelope asked if I'd like to be part of their holiday recipe round up. I have not been compensated for this post, and as always, the opinions here are all my own!

Spiked Mexican Spice Hot Cocoa
Adapted from Imbibe Magazine
Makes about 2 servings

For Spice Mixture:

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Pinch of nutmeg
Pinch of cloves

Combine all spices in a small bowl or zip-top plastic bag. Mix well. Store in an airtight container.

For Hot Chocolate

2 cups milk of your choice {I used almond milk}
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
A pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

{optional} 2 ounces of Patron Cafe or your favorite liqueur, marshmallows for topping


1. In a small pot, bring milk up to a simmer over medium heat. When starting to get little bubbles around the edges, whisk in chocolate chips, cocoa powder and salt.

2. Stir until the chips have melted and the ingredients are completely combined. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

3. Pour into glasses. Add about an ounce of desired liqueur, if desired.

Garnish with marshmallows, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of spice mixture if desired.

Getting Jolly with Jell-O & Kitchen Daily!

I have been baking, baking, baking in preparation for the holidays & several other fun occasions lately and I've come up with SO much good stuff I want to share!

But today, I'm giving my oven a little break and sharing a no-bake dessert that is perfect for last minute get togethers that need festive touch:

Can you believe these cuties are made from Jell-O Pudding? And guess what? You can totally make them boozy for the big kids! ;)

{I knew that would pique your interest!}

Hop on over to Kitchen Daily for the recipe {and a step-by-step slideshow!} and show off your holiday homemaker skills at your next holiday party: http://www.kitchendaily.com/recipe/cocoa-pretzel-pudding-mugs

Looking for more recipe ideas? JELL-O's got you covered! Click here for some fantastic {and easy} crowd pleasers!

What is your favorite quick & easy holiday treat?