Tea as Self Care
In the face of challenges and social upheaval, it can be hard to cultivate moments of self care, moments where in spite of all that’s going on, we can allow ourselves rest. But these moments of reflection and quiet need to be cherished.
Why? Because they help us to recharge, to provide us with the energy to go on with a mindset that is capable of withstanding whatever challenges we face.
Start with the humble cup of tea. Perhaps you’re a fan of the occasional cup of tea, or maybe you drink it morning, noon, and night. Regardless of the amount you consume, let’s take a moment to consider what more tea is, beyond a flavored drink made with hot or cold water.
Tea is often the drink we turn to in times of sickness or sadness, the steaming cup sitting on our nightstands as we pore over the pages of a book late at night. Tea is a faithful companion.
Tea is a drink that many of us turn to and have strong memories of. Perhaps you’re not a tea drinker yourself, but you can picture a beloved relative's tannin-stained teapot. What is it about tea that makes it so entangled with these small moments in our lives?
Tea helps us create moments that matter; it takes time for tea to brew. In today’s hurried world, there are few things that we slow down for.
It’s important to slow down and remember to enjoy the small things in life. Tea is a drink that draws people together and encourages conversation over a hot cuppa.
If it’s not tea, I encourage you to find something in your life that you can make time to slow down and enjoy. Resting and recharging is essential for us to be able to continue to love those around us well.
A cup of tea is often shared amongst friends and family. Whilst we can’t always share a cuppa with those we love, we can still adopt an attitude of creating moments that matter, and tea can be a part of the journey.
Chai Tea Biscuit Recipe
Tea doesn’t have to just be drunk! Find below my favorite chai tea biscuit recipe. These chewy, warming cookies are perfect to enjoy beside your cup of tea or to drop off at a loved one’s house. Wrap them in pretty paper for a gift, or keep them for yourself.
Use your favorite chai blend in a new way by grinding it finely in a spice or coffee grinder and using it in the biscuit dough as well as a garnish on the outside. There are a few chai blends that work well in this recipe:
Full Moon Chai – Vanilla and butternut extracts add a delicious twist to this chai. Slightly sweet and creamy, this tea is perfect to enjoy with your chai tea biscuit.
Portland Rose City Chai – Enjoy the warming flavors of cardamon with a floral hint of rose and fruity blackberry to tantalize your tastebuds. Travel to Portland in your teacup!
Rainy Day Puerh – A personal favorite, this earthy aged tea combines anise, cinnamon, ginger and other warming spices for the perfect pick-me-up.
If you find your dough is a little dry, add a little bit of water to the mix to bind it together more easily. If you enjoy a nutty chai tea, press your favorite nut mix to the tops of the uncooked dough prior to cooking.
Be wary when removing these cookies from the oven as they’ll be soft until cooled. It’s best to leave them on the tray for a while before transferring to a cooling rack.
Chewy Chai Tea Biscuit Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons of your favorite chai tea blend, finely ground
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup softened unsalted butter
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix together white sugar, chai tea, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. Set aside a quarter of the mixture to roll dough in prior to baking. Combine remaining spice mix into other dry ingredients. Set aside.
Combine butter and brown sugar, mixing on high with an electric mixer until combined. Add in egg and vanilla essence and blend well.
Slowly add dry ingredients to butter and egg mixture, mixing until just combined.
Scoop small amounts of dough into hands and roll into balls. Roll dough through reserved sugar-spice mix until evenly coated.
Set on parchment-lined baking tray 2 inches apart and bake for 8 minutes or until browned.
Remove from oven and allow to cool on a baking tray for a few minutes before moving to a cooling rack.
Pour yourself a cup of chai tea and enjoy a biscuit!
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