If you’re a fan of Yogic Chai’s Original Masala Chai, you know how deliciously warming and comforting it can be. But why limit yourself to just drinking it? Yogic Chai’s unique combination of flavors can add a unique twist to your favorite baked goods, from muffins to cakes and cookies. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways you can incorporate Yogic Chai into your baking, with insights from professional bakers!
One of the simplest ways to add chai flavor to your baked goods is by using chai spice blends. These blends typically include cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper, which are all commonly found in traditional chai tea. Professional baker and recipe developer, Rachel Conners, recommends using chai spice blends in a variety of baked goods, including oatmeal cookies, muffins, and quick breads.
“I love using chai spices in baked goods because they’re so versatile and can work in a variety of recipes,” says Conners. “My personal favorite is using a chai spice blend in oatmeal cookies – it’s the perfect combination of spicy and sweet.”
You may be wondering “Sure, I can see myself using a Chai spice mix in my baking, but how would I use my Yogic Chai blend”?
There are few ways to incorporate Yogic Chai into your baking. One is by steeping Yogic Chai in hot milk or cream to infuse the liquid with chai flavor. This can be a great way to add a subtle chai flavor to cakes, puddings, and custards. Professional pastry chef, Jenni Field, recommends using this technique to make a chai-infused panna cotta for example
“I love using chai tea to make panna cotta because the flavors are so warm and comforting,” says Field. “It’s a great way to add a unique twist to a classic dessert.”
For a more intense chai flavor, you can also make your own Yogic Chai concentrate, or use ours, by simmering it in water and sugar, in a ratio of 1.5-2 grams of both sugar and our loose Chai to 1 liquid ounce of water, then straining the mixture and using the resulting liquid in your baking. This technique can be especially useful for recipes that call for liquid sweeteners, like honey or maple syrup. Professional baker and cookbook author, Zoë François, recommends using chai concentrate in homemade granola bars.
“Chai concentrate can add a really unique flavor to granola bars, and it also helps bind the ingredients together,” says François. “I like to add a little coconut oil to the mixture to help keep the bars chewy and moist.”
Our Favorite Approach?
At home, our favorite way of using our own blends in baking is by simmering the mix in butter! Yes you heard that right. Most baking recipes call for butter and infusing the butter with Yogic Chai’s blend is a great way to incorporate Yogic Chai into your baking, without needing to use any extra liquid!
Of course, chai doesn’t have to be limited to sweet baked goods – it can also add a unique twist to savory recipes. For example, you can use the different techniques above to flavor homemade bread or in marinades for chicken or pork. Chef and cookbook author, Nik Sharma, recommends using chai spices in his recipe for chai-spiced roasted carrots.
“The chai spices add a really interesting depth of flavor to the roasted carrots,” says Sharma. “It’s a great way to incorporate chai into a savory dish.”
Incorporating Yogic Chai into your baked goods can be a fun and creative way to add a unique twist to your favorite recipes. Whether you’re using chai spice blends, steeping our Yogic Chai mix in either water, milk or butter, making a Yogic Chai concentrate, or using chai spices in savory dishes, the possibilities are endless! So go ahead and experiment with chai in your baking – you never know what delicious creations you might come up with!
