Layne’s Hot Cocoa & Frothy Chai

Chai is my go to morning drink! It is traditionally a type of Indian tea, made by steeping tea leaves with milk, sugar, and cardamom. It is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with a touch of caffeine. In fact, the only time I give up my morning Chai is when I’m in Italy because the “real” baristas are Italian and are the best at making coffee and cappuccinos! Unlike coffee, chai will not give you a headache from caffeine withdrawal.

Ingredients (use organic when available):

  • 2 tablespoons Dagoba cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon organic sugar
  • 1/4-teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon crystallized ginger, chopped
  • 12 fluid ounces soy milk

Place all ingredients, except cinnamon in a glass measuring cup or super-sized mug; microwave for 2 minutes. Using a milk frother, aerate and froth. (You can buy a simple hand held frother online. Bodum makes one for about $15.00, requires a battery).

Pour into mugs, sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy!

I make a CHAI variation of this, omitting the cocoa. Before frothing, place a chai tea bag in the hot milk. Steep tea bag until desired, strength, remove tea bag. Then froth and sprinkle with cinnamon. Often, I will serve with a small piece of dark chocolate floating on top.

Never microwave a tea bag…there is typically a metal staple on the tea bag, a no-no for microwaves.

Serves 2

Nutrition Facts per serving: 164 calories, 6 grams fat, 23 grams carbs, 8.6 grams protein.