I served chai bread for a ladies luncheon last summer. Subtly spiced, it was a lovely addition to the tea breads. It is also perfect for holiday dinners and buffets. And, as my friend Apple Valley Sue pointed out, it makes a very nice gift! Sue was my Secret Sister one year and gifted me with some chai tea bags – my introduction to the beautiful flavors of chai. I promised to get the recipe to Sue before the holidays so chai bread can be gifted to a hostess, a teacher, a neighbor or anyone else! So here it is!!! Cardamom adds to the distinctive chai flavor. It is a rather expensive spice so do watch through the year for a spice sale or check the ethnic aisle (or ethnic stores, if you are lucky enough to have them nearby.) I use a chai tea bag to make the tea, but you can also use ... [Read More]
Search Results for: Chai
How to Install a Chair Rail
Installing a chair rail was a step in giving our boxy plain dining room some architectural character. Here's what we did: You can purchase 12, 10 or 8 foot lengths of moulding and trim. Before buying, measure the room and take note of windows and doors. Determine the longest unbroken run and that will determine the length of the stock moulding. For example, if the measurement is over 10 foot, buy 12 foot long stock. This will allow you to make as few splices as possible and save you time and work. With a little thought, you can figure out how to make those three dimensions work in your room to make as few cuts as possible. Just be sure the pattern is exactly the same in all lengths. Remember when figuring length of stock that straight ends will butt up against door and window ... [Read More]
How to determine where to place a chair rail
A chair rail adds interest and polish to any room, bringing instant character and definition. The term may have originated from the Shakers who used rails with pegs to hang chairs so floors could be easily swept. Many people think they are intended to protect the wall from backs of chairs that were pushed up against it and they do sometimes serve that function. However as far back as the Romans, wood pieces have been most frequently used to divide walls for design and architectural interest. But how do you know where to place the chair rail on the wall? Is one place better than another? I am so glad you asked!!!! Because there are answers. Ancient Greeks searched for mathematical formulas to determine the perfect number, perfect chord, and points of perfect balance in ... [Read More]
Chai Tea Latte Mix
Chai Tea is just one thing I have learned about from my Secret Sisters. They’ve written beautiful notes, shared their talents in different ways and introduced me to all sorts of new indulgences. One secret sister was a tea drinker who gifted me wonderful chai tea. Mmmmmm --- a cup of delight! And of course, curiosity . . . . . . “Chai” is from India where it means “tea”. A combination of spices added to black tea in India eventually came to be associated with the word “chai” in English. Even though tea is made with milk in India, English speakers began using an Italian “latte” to indicate that fact. So when we refer to chai tea latte, we are really saying “milky tea, tea, milk”. Or something like that. . . . A little odd when it is the spices that set it apart and make it ... [Read More]
Double Chocolate Toasted Almond Clusters
Double Chocolate Toasted Almond Clusters are so very easy to make and yet look super elegant and gift worthy! Toasting the almonds takes a little extra time and effort, but so worth it for the extra flavor and crunch. Toast them ahead of time, if you want, while baking dinner one night or another batch of goodies. Only ten minutes in a 350 degree oven makes a big difference. When adding white melting chocolate to slow cooker, break into pieces at the score. Or some brands come in little “cubes” in individual cups. Easier to melt than a big chunk. Baker’s German Chocolate is a sweet baking chocolate – also scored to break into easy to melt chunks. The chocolate chips add a different flavor to the mix. I have also used dark chocolate chips--but I like dark chocolate. Use the low ... [Read More]
Eggnog Sandwich Cookies
Eggnog Sandwich Cookies are a unique holiday treat. The nutmeg and ginger sugar topping, the soft cookie, the creamy filling -- all the eggnog flavors in your hand. The dough is soft and a little sticky, even after chilling. Just do the best you can to make round cookies. Flatten them with a drinking glass (patterned bottom optional) dipped in flour so they are even height all the way across. When baking, watch the time so cookies just begin to turn golden when you remove them from the oven. (Some of mine got a little too brown this time!) We really liked them plain, but the filling definitely lifts things up a notch. Wait until they are well cooled before assembling sandwiches. The yield is approximately 72 cookies which will make 36 sandwiches. These are better eaten within a ... [Read More]
