Hot White Chocolate Chai

I am a connoisseur of hot chocolate and tend to sip quite a bit of it… more than I probably should!  I enjoy experimenting with various concoctions, using all sorts of quality chocolate. One of my very favorite hot drinks this winter is hot white chocolate chai. It is steaming, frothy goodness in a mug. To make it, use the best white chocolate you can find. I recommend a good Belgian chocolate, such as Callebaut white chocolate callets.

The best loose leaf chai I have tried up to this point is Firefly Chai by Mountain Rose Herbs. It is a fragrant and delicious loose-leaf organic rooibos chai that is delicious served both hot or iced.

Directions for Hot White Chocolate Chai:

Make 1/2 cup very strong chai: Steep 2 Tbsp loose leaf chai in 1/2  cup + 2 Tbsp boiled water for 20 minutes (keep covered so it remains hot while steeping). Strain or use a coffee press. After the tea absorbs some of the water there should be approximately ½ cup remaining.

Heat 1 cup good quality whole milk on the stove to desired temperature and whisk in 3-4 Tbsp white chocolate (callets or chopped) and 1 tsp pure maple syrup. If you have a frother (the Breville Milk café works wonderfully, or an inversion blender), whip the hot milk & chocolate together, then whisk in the tea. Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream and a toasted marshmallow and add a generous sprinkling of cinnamon or stir in a cinnamon stick. Enjoy this cozy, decadent drink!

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