March 19th, 2009 | Uncategorized
By Mary Anne Durkee
Chicken is a favorite worldwide and my favorite too. I am head over heels in love with the chicken. Grilled chicken I can say would be right on top in my list of favorite chicken recipes. Being a health enthusiast I just love the idea of tasty succulent chicken cooked to perfection and that too with hardly any oil or fat.
Grilled chicken can be a wonderful treat – tasty and healthy. Grilled chicken uses very little oil or fat and thus, is a healthy choice. On a diet, grilled chicken can be one that you would love to have on your plate without feeling the guilt.
If you love cooking outdoors, then the grilled chicken is a wonderful choice for your outdoor cooking menu. Have friends over for a fun grilling session, nothing like it for a great weekend party. Let”s get started on a great grilling session. It is simple with just a few must remember tips you would have a juicy succulent chicken that you would love to just go on and on with.
1-You could grill the chicken either whole, chicken breasts or in small pieces. The smaller the pieces the faster it will cook, that”s plain simple cooking logic. Cooking the chicken well from the inside (without burning the outside) is the trick to great grilling.
2-Clean the chicken well, remove the giblets. Wash and pat dry all set to moving to the next stage of marinating or the dry rub. There are hundreds of variations possible with the marinade or the dry rub and so here your taste buds work as the best indicators or guide. You can try anything from a simple seasoning of salt, pepper and herbs to a complicated and tasty marinades or rubs. The whole process is getting me hungry.
3-If you wish to marinate your chicken, do so well in advance so that all the flavors go deep into the layers of your chicken. Marinate the chicken and refrigerate for atleast 6-8 hours or better still overnight. Marinating the chicken is a good idea to make your chicken more flavorful. If the chicken is marinated, drain the extra marinade before placing the chicken on the grill.
4-If you do not wish to marinate your chicken, using a dry rub is a good idea to make it a flavorful experience. Dry rubs again, could be of many kinds and so go in for the recipe that suits your taste. Smear the rub well all over the chicken. A homemade rub would be definitely a better choice however, if you are really short on time there is wide range available in your local supermarket.
5-Get your grill going. Rub the grill with oil so that your chicken does not stick on to it. The grill should be nice and hot before the chicken is placed over it. However, do not grill the chicken directly on the coals. The breast side should be placed on the grill (the fleshy portion first). Cook till it turns golden brown.
Cut a small piece from the chicken – the juices should run clear and the flesh should be white rather than the reddish color of raw meat. Using barbecue sauce or the remaining marinade for basting is a good idea. However, ensure that you do it only towards the end of the grilling session once the chicken is almost done. Enjoy a wonderful time at the grill!!
About The Author
Mary-Anne is a featured member and regular contributor at ifood.tv, a global food network, featuring recipes from all over the world. Other popular healthy recipes videos on ifood.tv include Japanese Recipes, Jello recipes and Kids recipes
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March 18th, 2009 | Uncategorized
By Mary Anne Durkee
I love Chinese cuisine. Now I guess that explains my fascination for wok cooking. I have a good collection of woks in different sizes for my cooking and love what wok cooking can do to food -the taste and flavor. With all the Thai cooking recipes and videos I have been watching the last few days, I think the woks are soon going to witness the taste of a whole new cuisine.
Wok cooking is one that uses a high degree of heat and requires the cook to be both careful and also alert. This is both in terms of personal safety and also getting the food cooked right. Wok cooking has come to be a popular choice across the globe. Ask me, initially it was takeaways from my favorite Chinese restaurant and then my friend introduced me to the world of Chinese cooking. Ever since I have been hooked to it. I find it a healthier option to cook at home and definitely cheaper (especially during these tough times a great way to delicious home cooking).
Tips to great wok cooking:
1-Wok cooking is fun, healthy and tasty. Cooking in a wok is done at a very high temperature and therefore, ensures that the food is tasty and does not loose out on its nutritional value.
2-While deciding to cook in a wok, ensure that you have all your veggies chopped and the other ingredients ready. With cooking taking place at very high temperatures it is difficult to chop and cook at the same time (you would end up burning your food).
3-Wok cooking is mostly about stir frying. The trick is to keep stirring. I like the shape that a wok has – deep and high sides- this prevents the food from falling out (of course please do ensure that you have enough knowledge and practice before you try the tricks that your chef at the restaurant does).
4-Wok cooking is generally done on a high flame, however, using your stove on full power or even a big enough hot plate can do wonders.
5-Woks are delicate, use them with care. They need some maintenance to preserve them in pristine condition. Just a little care while using and washing and you could enjoy wok cooking with tasty vegetables, meat and fish that make for a grand treat.
Unlike the general concept, wok cooking can be used for anything from stir frying, deep frying to steaming and boiling. While deep frying ensure that you stick to the safety rules as the oil is at a very high temperature and woks have a comparatively smaller base. You can even put water into your wok and place your steamer on it and enjoy the tasty dim sums. There is a lot to the traditional wok cooking, a highly versatile kitchen tool this is one worth exploring. Have fun!!
About The Author
Mary-Anne is a featured member and regular contributor at ifood.tv, a global food network, featuring recipes from all over the world. Other popular healthy recipes videos on ifood.tv include Mahi Recipes, Margarita recipes and Meatball recipes
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March 18th, 2009 | Uncategorized
By Art Gib
For the young, and the young at heart, night life activities can be very appealing; especially when you live in a bigger city that thrives on it like San Francisco or New York. If you are looking to go out and enjoy an evening with friends try finding the options available in bar lounges. You can opt to hit the street running, or start at home by getting an idea of what”s nearby especially if you”re visiting from out of town. Bar Lounges in San Francisco could be the perfect place to start narrowing down the many options you will have to choose from.
Whether you are a local resident or a passing visitor, you will definitely want to go somewhere that is happening every night. And, with so many bar lounges to choose from, you will probably need to look into features such as the menu, events and general information to find what you are looking for. Often you will find a list of events that is happening for the week or month so you are able to plan ahead especially if you are going with a larger group or even a bachelorette party. Although some are drawn back a little when they hear the term bar lounge, there are quite a few nicer ones that have great chefs and managers to make your visit unforgettable.
If you do find a bar lounge in San Francisco that you really enjoy and plan on visiting again, you can get on their mailing list and receive updates and news regarding special events that are coming up for you to attend. Do the research a little and look into the gallery if there is one available and if there are opinions posted you will definitely want to look into what others have to say about their experience and time spent there. Another good idea is to speak with the staff regarding the atmosphere, and people that usually frequent the establishment if it is your first time enjoying the scene at night it”s important to find out who else might be attending as well.
Most importantly, relax and enjoy yourself. Many lounges will do everything they can to make your experience an enjoyable one and will want to have your business there again and if referrals are made to others that only helps their business. Also, don”t be worried if you feel more comfortable finding out about any specials such as VIP passes and group discounts. Have a good time and enjoy the night life especially while on vacation so you will definitely want to go back.
About The Author
One Industry Group 1 (http://impalasf.com) owns a Bar Lounge in San Francisco. Art Gib is a freelance writer.
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March 17th, 2009 | Uncategorized
By Anna Stenning
In which situations are ice flakers used? Is there any difference in an ice flaking machines and ice making machines? Do they serve different purposes and for what applications do they cater? Are ice flakers purely used in the catering trade or does the need for flaked ice extend to other industries?
We all know that ice has been for centuries as one of the main methods of keeping food fresher for longer, preserving food by chilling it helps to retain more of its essential vitamins and minerals as well as avoiding the growth of harmful bacteria which turn food bad, rancid or sour.
Ice in its bear form is still used heavily in the food and catering trade these days, and simply for adding to liquid beverage to keep them cool. Ice is used to keep displays of fresh produce such as salads, fresh fish (wet fish sales) and meat displays cool and fresh even when displayed in supermarkets. Ice flakers are used to create this specific type of ice which moulds itself better.
Flaked ice is also used in food safe storage transit, boxes or trays full of flaked ice are used to keep perishable and temperature sensitive foods, such as wet fish, cool and fresh, it remains one of the most effective means of delivering fresh chilled produce and the cheapest method too. This is opposed to using refrigerated vans.
Flaked ice is used for various applications not just within the catering industry; it is also used heavily in healthcare facilities, hospitals and laboratories, and for medical applications such as physiotherapy.
Ice flakers or flaking machines are very similar to ice making machines with the exception of the ice being produced is of a much finer grade. Ice flaking machines are still rated on output of ice in kgs per 24 hour period and capacity of storage bin. So knowing how much ice you require on a daily basis is essential to selection of your machine.
Most ice machines are mains water fed, similar to that of the domestic washing machine; most will be supplied with the required amount of connection hose and a 13amp plug. Ice machines of any description whether ice flakers or cube makers benefit from having water filters installed, this not only improves the clarity of ice but also prolongs the life expectancy of the ice machine itself, reducing the amount of limescale which can build up especially in hard water areas.
Self service ice machines have become commonplace in many hospitals, restaurants, cafeterias, cinemas and garages, allowing customers to add as much or little ice as required, although catering for how much ice will be required is a little hit and miss as some people will use lots, some won”t touch it and others will add just a little, an added problem is that most soft drinks are offered in a range of cup sizes, which makes estimating ice far from being an exact science.
Healthcare facilities such a physio units use flaked ice for compresses, flaked ice moulds far quicker to the shape of a person allowing a compress to hug an area of injury rather than applying lumpy cubes, ice bags are also applied to injuries to reduce swelling. Laboratories use ice as a fast method of cooling preparations.
Ice flakers and ice makers are an essential item of bar equipment these days, making sure that customers are supplied with icy cool beverages to quench their thirsts.
It seems funny that our earliest method of preserving foods and perishables, even with the advances is modern technology is still as widely used these days as it ever was.
About The Author
Anna Stenning researches how ice flakers are widely used in the food and catering industry for preserving, chilling and transporting fresh produce.
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March 17th, 2009 | Uncategorized
By David Urmann
Salad is a favorite healthy appetizer. It is known for its sweet and delicious taste. It comes in a variety of mixtures such as macaroni salad, fruit salad, vegetable salad, fish salad, meat salad and many other variations.
In terms of preparation, the most common utensil is a salad knife. This tool is specifically crafted for slicing fruits, vegetables and other ingredients. It is also commonly used in cutting cakes, breads and butters.
An ordinary knife made of metal or stainless steel cause reactions with vegetables and fruits, leading to blemishes and brown coloring. They are designed specially to prevent these. They are made of plastic materials like nylon.
Some salad knives may also consist of other handles with better grip such as wood, metal or rubber. Grips are very important because when kitchen works become wet, there is a tendency for the grip to slip, and thereby cause accidents.
The blades are usually serrated to easily cut through fibrous vegetables including celery and lettuce. Other than this, blades are better if sharper. And in fact, sharper blades are safer, contrary to popular belief.
Salad knives consist of non reactive material, thus avoiding any unlikely reaction preserving the freshness and crisp of vegetables, fruits and garnishes. The salad knives may oxidize but does not affect the blade of the knife.
Most salad knives come with very long blades which can slice through even big lettuce or cabbage. It is also durable enough to be placed inside a dishwasher.
A salad knife is also commonly known as a lettuce knife. Make sure to choose a durable salad knife with a good handle for better grip and ease of use. You must also consider the weight, the design and the price. A light weight salad knife is best so it won”t strain your hand and fingers. A soft rubber handle will prevent accidental slips.
Also get a knife with a sturdy and sharp blade since you will be using this tool many times. Read some reviews to get an idea of a good brand and model. There are plenty of retails stores which allow its clients to test the knives. Best if you try it yourself so you will have an actual feel which is comfortable to you.
When using your salad knife to slice vegetables and fruits, use a chopping board and not on hard surfaces to protect the sharpness of the blades and avoid chipping. Never use the salad knife in cutting other hard objects such as rubber, wood and other objects than its purpose since it will damage the blades.
Wash the salad knife thoroughly after use to prevent it from stains and also to prolong its lifespan. Wipe the knife with a clean cloth and make it dry before storing it. Also ensure that you store the knife in a knife holder or inside a drawer to prevent any injury.
To prolong the life of salad knives, make sure to always use a chopping board. These boards are made of more friendly surfaces that help protect the blades. It is not as hard as other surfaces like metals or wood.
Although most of us are used to just using ordinary knives, try buying a salad knife to compare the difference. Salad preparations will not be any easier with these kitchen utensils.
About The Author
For more information on Vegetable Knives and Kitchen Knife Setsplease visit our website.
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March 15th, 2009 | Uncategorized
By Matt Chang
Making a really great cup of coffee comes from using a French press. It is also known as a coffee press or a plunger pot. While not widely used in the United States, its popularity is growing to two the continued education of the finer coffee consumption.
When you use a French press, basically you are using a fine wire mesh to separate strain freshly brewed coffee. The grounds of coffee will stay at the bottom of the cylinder and strained fresh coffee stays at the top ready for drinking.
Here are the directions to making an excellent cup of pressed coffee. Once you finish reading this, you will see just how simple it will be to make an excellent and enjoyable brew. Let”s get started.
1. Remove the plunger unit from the French Press. Warm the French Press and each cup with hot water if you wish. Be sure to discard the warming water before pouring the coffee. This step really makes sure you get a hot cup of coffee.
2. You want to use two tablespoons of the whole ground coffee per cup up of water. You want to use dark roasted and high-quality beans. Make sure you”re using coarsely ground coffee because finely ground coffee will clog the filter.
3. Place the ground coffee in the French press. Don”t forget, if you were warming it with water to discard that water.
4. Add hot, not boiling water to the pot. Leave a minimum of one inch at the top. Stir gently.
5. Now place the plunger on top of the French Press. Do not plunge it yet. Let it sit for at least 4 minutes to steep. You want to let all the ground coffee really get a chance to get in there and brew a fresh cup.
6. Hold the pot handle firmly with the spout turned away from you. Use the weight of your hand to apply slight pressure on top of the knob and lower the plunger straight down into the pot. Lowering the plunger slowly with minimal pressure produces the best results. Do not use excessive force, which can cause scalding liquid to shoot out of the pot. Turn the lid open the pour spout and pour coffee.
That”s it! All you need to do now, is pour it and enjoy! Drink the coffee before it gets cold. Once you start to brew coffee like this, you will see how this method allows you to fully extract the oils and flavor from the grounds. Your coffee will be richer, and smoother. The oils in the coffee will also feel much more velvety on your palate.
About The Author
If you are looking for a place to buy a discount coffee maker online, visit mycoffeemakershop.com for best selections and to find cheap coffee makers online.
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March 15th, 2009 | Uncategorized
By Lili Rousso
Drinking coffee is almost a rite of passage toward becoming an adult. Kids watch their parents savor the aroma and flavor of this rich and dark beverage for years. Adults love coffee, it is aromatic, robust, and you can make it as strong and flavorful as you like. Coffee first thing in the morning is an eye opener, it helps get you going. The rich aroma can waft through your home and call to you. The steamy cup lifted to you allows you to breathe in the comforting and distinct fragrance, while you savor your coffee.
In too many cases, the joy of coffee has been lost in the “necessity” of it. So many people are looking for a boost and will often sacrifice the flavor so that they get through that boring board meeting. Luckily, it does not always have to be that way. You can have the benefit of caffeine and maintain the taste you love.
How can you achieve this every morning in your own kitchen? It is simple, start purchasing gourmet coffee. Your senses and your taste buds will thank you! Here are a few of the best gourmet coffees for every palate.
Miscela d”Oro is one of the best gourmet coffees available today. This coffee captures the intensity and passion of Sicily. The rich smooth flavor of this coffee is not lost in milk or other creams. The Urbano family has been roasting a combination of gourmet coffee beans to create on of the world”s most recognized Italian gourmet coffee producers since 1946. Umberto Urbano is a third generation master roaster and his distinct Sicilian passion and sensibility marks the flavors of the family”s artisan line of espresso blends.
Loumidis Papagalos is another gourmet coffee, hailing from Greece. It has been described as enjoyment in a cup. It is a straightforward and tasty coffee with a modest price tag. Whether you enjoy quality espresso or simply wish to enjoy the taste of Greece from home, gourmet coffee is the way to go.
Spain brings us Ground Mixed Torrafacto gourmet coffee. Torrafacto beans are Spain”s favorite, and are very strong and flavorful. This particular coffee is thick and intense. This coffee captures Spain”s true vibrancy and color in every cup. The price compares to non-gourmet coffees, so why cheat yourself out of a great, quality coffee?
Mediterranean coffees are among the best. The rich beans are harvested at the perfect time and are carefully prepared for roasting. Though Mediterranean coffees are considered among the best, Sicilian coffee is better yet. Why? Sicily is the geographic heart of the Mediterranean and has inherited the best of the neighboring cuisines. Some of the best gourmet coffees in the world are created by Sicilian family-owned businesses. Many of them have, over the centuries, borrowed from the Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, French, and Spanish cultures to create a rich and complex blend that is regarded as one of the finest coffees in the world.
If you top that with a modest price tag, you will savor every morning with your affordable gourmet coffee. So, give gourmet a try. The price tags are not as intimidating as one would think and they are well worth it. Enjoy!
About The Author
Lili Rousso is a coffee aficionada who reviews Gourmet coffees from all around the world. This month she features the Lavazza Gourmet Coffee brand from http://www.aromacafeculture.com
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March 13th, 2009 | Uncategorized
By Lili Rousso
All coffee drinkers have their favorite brand of coffee. Have you ever wondered where your favorite coffee comes from? The actual origins of coffee are quite the topic of controversy. Several interesting stories lead up to the introduction of coffee to humans. One such story dates back to ninth century Ethiopia.
As the story goes, Ethiopian highlanders noticed goats were friskier when they ate the berries from a specific plant, so they decided to try it. They received the same boost of energy, so they shared the berries with others. Obviously it was a huge success, as there are billions of coffee drinkers world-wide today.
As trade between Ethiopia and other areas became popular, coffee became a great bargaining tool. Coffee was first introduced to Italy via trade between the Venetians and Muslims from North Africa and Egypt. Pope Clement VIII blessed coffee in 1600, which made it more widely accepted throughout Italy and the Mediterranean. The beverage quickly spread to other ports around the world and became one of the most common trade currencies.
Today, no two coffees taste the same. The flavor of great coffee can be attributed to a variety of preparation techniques. The Sicilians borrowed a little flavor from Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman, French, and Spanish cultures, to create the unique flavor of gourmet coffee. Where one coffee is smooth and light; another may be thick and creamy. The type of coffee a person enjoys is simply a matter of personal taste. Each gourmet coffee has its own unique taste and draws an entirely new crowd of coffee drinker.
Early Coffee Shops
The world”s very first coffee shop opened in Constantinople in 1475. England”s first coffee house opened in 1652. Early English coffee houses were commonly called “penny universities” as you were charged one penny for a cup of coffee and admission. During the eighteenth century, coffee became a status symbol of sorts. Poets, writers and artists used to gather in coffee houses to truly enjoy the aroma and freshly brewed coffee as much as the coffee house atmosphere.
The nineteenth century saw yet another change in the way we make and enjoy coffee. The very first espresso machine was created in France by Dr. Ernest Illy. The espresso machine we use today is based on the design created in Italy in 1946 by Achilles Gaggia.
The machine created by Gaigga was operated by a spring powered lever. Like all other inventions, this one has undergone several changes over the years and will continue to evolve over time. Today, espresso is available in gourmet coffee shops or even in the privacy of your own home.
The beloved coffee house atmosphere that attracted writers, poets and artists of centuries past still draws people of all ages today. Coffee houses are considered a great place to socialize with people who share similar interests. One of the most popular television shows in the United States featured a group of friends who frequently visited a coffee shop to share ideas and enjoy being together. The wildly popular television show sparked even more interest in coffee shops and artisan coffee.
About The Author
Lili Rousso is a coffee aficionada who reviews Gourmet coffees from all around the world. This month she features the Lavazza Gourmet Coffee brand and the new Lavazza Espresso Point machine from http://www.aromacafeculture.com
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March 12th, 2009 | Uncategorized
By Jim Brown
With all its benefits, peanut seems to be a perfect nut because it contains many useful substances to human health. In this article, you will get more knowledge about this kind of nuts.
1. Peanut core:
According to many recent studies, peanut core contains fat oil 40-50 %, purring, starch 8-21%, cellulose 2-5%, water 5-8%, inorganic salt 2-4%, vitamin B, acid pathogenic and glucose tecpen 3. It assists to haemostatic process due to botanical haemoglobin condensation.
Also, it has protein, amino acids (lecithin and purring) and some minerals: calcium, phosphor and iron. Moreover, lysine and catechin in peanut can prevent the early aging process and improve the development of children”s brain.
2. Peanut oil:
Vitamin E, cephalic and lecithin in peanut oil can assist liver to decompose cholesterol into bile acid and increase its excretion. They help to decrease the amount of cholesterol in blood and prevent aortosclerosis. Likewise, it activates the development of brain cells and prevents the aging of skin.
3. Seed coat:
Seed coat can prevent fibrin from dissolving as well as stimulate bone marrow to reproduce blood plaques so capiliare are easier to shrink. Also, it reduces the time of bleeding so it has haemostatic effects which is 50 times more than its core. It assists to cure thrombocytopenic purpura (the cause is that the number of blood plaque is decreasing), anemic phenomena due to obstacles that prevent the reproduction and odontorrhagia.
4. Hard husk:
In hard peanut husk, scientists found luteolin substance which helps to reduce blood pressure and beta-stosterol which could make the amount of fat in blood decrease.
In addition, there are some best ways to cook peanut without losing its nutrients. This article will turn to some cooking experiences.
1. You should eat roasted peanuts because roasting is thought to improve peanuts” digestibility and a more important note is that you should eat them without eliminating seed coats thanks to their amazing effects.
2. That is why you should eat boiled peanuts because seed coat sticks to its core and peanuts may keep all positive effects on health.
3. The fat in peanut does not contain cholesterol so that butter made from peanuts is much more enjoyed than milk butter. A tip is that roasting peanuts in sesame oil can help to decrease up to 80% of fat in them.
4. If you want to store peanuts, you must store them with their hard husks for their nutrients to be protected.
In contrast, there are some exceptional cases of having diseases that these people should not eat peanuts. Firstly, peanuts containing a large amount of fat so that people suffering from high blood pressure should not eat them or the medium amount of fat will increase. Secondly, consuming peanuts is harmful to people whose cholecystis have to be cut. The reason is that the high quantity of fat in peanuts must be digested by cholecystis liquid. Meanwhile, this liquid function of them is decreasing. Thus, they should not eat peanuts. Additionally, there are some more diseases that you must be careful and find out before cooking peanuts to patients.
About The Author
James Brown writes about DollarDays.com coupons, Dr. Whitaker discounts and aloeelite.com discounts
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March 12th, 2009 | Uncategorized
By Eddie Lamb
Chai tea is one of the most popular teas in the world because of its incredible flavour. In fact Chai is the Hindi word for tea and is used in many Eastern languages to refer to simply tea itself, not a type of tea as we are probably used to. In English, the term Chai is used to refer to a spiced tea that is known in the Eastern world as masala chai. Masala is the Indian word for spice. Masala chai, or Chai tea as we are used to, is the most famous variety of tea available in the Eastern world and especially India. The tea is, however, not that popular in India as it is believed.
The preferred way to preparing tea in India is quite different from Chai tea, in fact. It is made using the boiling of leaves together with milk to get a strong flavour and colour out of it. Chai is, however, more popular than coffee in India and is a relatively popular beverage in coffee houses in other countries around the world. It is also known as somewhat of a specialty at European music festivals and other special events because of its strong association with various underground cultural ideologies. These ideologies are often derivative of the people that partake in Chai tea and represent a philosophy of peace.
Making The Tea
The making of Chai tea is quite an interesting and engaging process, especially if you intend to follow the old world instructions. There is no actual fixed recipe, however, and many Indian families actually have their own special recipes for the tea. Chai, especially in the Eastern world, should be considered a class of tea itself instead of just a singular type. This is because of the wide variety of preparation techniques and other options available. It is extremely varied in possibility, spice, and overall flavour content.
All Chai tea has four basic components. The first of these is tea; the base is generally a very strong black tea that it used so that other flavours and sweeteners do not overpower it. The second component is sweetener. This is generally plain white sugar, but some traditionalists use molasses or honey as well. The third component of Chai tea is milk or other cream possibilities. The fourth component is the spices. Adding spices such as ginger, star anise, or even peppercorn can augment a wonderful cup of masala chai and create a terrific and unique beverage for all to enjoy.
About The Author
Eddie Lamb publishes an abundance of information on a range of topical subjects. This article Enjoy A Cup Of Chai Tea, is just one of a host of useful articles about Tea listed on our site map at Tea Variety.
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