The best sp-ICED Chai Tea Latte!

Hey friends! Well, the summer is drawing to an end, and the school year is upon us! This is the first time since I was five that I don't have to go to school. I have many friends who are becoming teachers, finishing college, starting grad school, and even some that are sending their own kids to school! It is so much fun getting to see little ones on their first day of school. And, a lot more fun than when I was actually IN school! ;) am I right, or am I right?

And while I'm not in classes anymore, I find myself hungering for growth, knowledge, and wisdom. There are so many things I want to learn, and it seems like not enough time to learn them! From canning and pickling, to spanish, gardening, making a budget and a weekly menu, there is still SO much to learn! While I haven't gotten to most of this list yet, something I HAVE gotten to is finding new and amazing recipes! This one in particular is especially great!

It's not quite fall yet; however, I think I can safely assume that we are ready for some cooler weather! While the coveted Pumpkin Spice Latte hasn't reached Starbuck's lovers yet, here's a refreshing new recipe I found that will help keep you cool, and your taste buds satifsied!

This picture isn't posed at all! ;)

Before we get to the recipe that ACTUALLY works, let's reflect on this recipe I tried last year at Thanksgiving. I don't even actually remember where the recipe is, but it was one that was from scratch, and had about 10 very costly ingredients in it. In the picture, you can see the cinnamon sticks, cardamon, vanilla bean, star of anise, black pepper, ground cloves, fresh ginger, and grated orange zest. In all, I think it probably cost of $5 per cup... and it wasn't even good! The whole recipe only made enough for maybe 4 cups and took over an hour to cook. Total bummer.

That is why I am SO excited about this recipe! Totally simple, cheap, and makes a TON!

I'm not going to lie, I found this wonderful recipe in the box with my new Iced Tea Maker we got as a wedding gift, and it's is GOLD! If you love iced tea- black, green, herbal- or if you love iced coffee, I would HIGHLY recommend you get this iced tea maker! It makes 2 quarts and is perfect for parties or just keeping all to yourself! My mom also has this tea maker, and she's had it for over 10 years, so I know this will last me a long time!! It's also only $20, which is a great investment, if you're like me and love iced tea. (And no, I am not getting paid to say this!)

Now, for what you've been waiting for.

You will need:
6-8 bags of chai tea packets, I used TAZO (at least 6, but more if you like it spicy)
1/2 C canned sweetened condensed milk
2 heaping Tbs sugar
Ice

Now, fill up the water pitcher to the designated line and pour into reservoir. Fill with ice to the top line. Pour sweetened condensed milk over ice. Take the tea bags out of the packet and put them in the top of the dripper (scientific, official name of course). Put the lid on and up to the mouth of the tea maker and press the button!

During Brewing. You just know this is going to be good!

After brewing, with a large serving spoon or spatula, stir the chai goodness around until well combined. Stir in the sugar until dissolved and serve! It's that simple!! Serve in cute glasses with a dash of cinnamon on top to make yourself feel fancy.

There you have it! Super simple, and each can of condensed milk can make at least 2 batches of tea! So serve it at brunches, book clubs, what have you and let everyone be amazed and refreshed at the super cool recipe you brought! Just don't tell them how easy it was ;)

Have a blessed weekend!

DIY Crockpot Yogurt

Let me preface this by saying that the first time I tried to make homemade yogurt, it was...not so tasty. I did not strain it, and it had the consistency of drinkable yogurt, which I learned I am not as inclined to, if you will.

I would also note that you should start this project no later than 5 PM, because it takes a long time to heat up, cool down, and then you'll be letting it incubate for 12 hours, so if the incubation period starts at 11 PM, you'll have to be available the next day at 11 AM to strain and bottle the yummy yogurt! Just some tips I wish I'd heeded in hindsight!

Why do you want to make homemade yogurt? Good question! For me, I love cooking, experimenting, and I'm always looking for fun/easy ways to make food at home instead of buying the more expensive version at the store! I also love the taste of fresh yogurt and I use it in everything! From making parfaits with honey, vanilla and fruit or fruit preserves, to stirring it into creamy sauces to give a little tang and a healthier alternative to sour cream, mayo, and heavy cream. It is slowly becoming a staple to have on hand at our house! I've also heard of people using it for cosmetic purposes!

What you'll need:

Crockpot

1/2 gal of milk (I used whole, and you could certainly use 2% I'm sure. PLEASE do not use skim. None of that milk water here!)

1/2 C active live culture yogurt (I personally use Fage 2% plain greek yogurt because it's packed full of protein.)

Cheesecloth (Yes, you really really need this. Unless you want drinkable yogurt. To each their own.)

Large Strainer 

Large and small mixing bowl

mason jars (or just these tupperware. Honestly, I think the tupperware is easier to clean.)

Ladle

Thermometer

So here it goes! Pour the 1/2 gallon of milk into the crockpot. Throw the lid on and set it on low for 3 hours. You want the temperature to get up to 185 degrees in order to prepare the milk proteins for yogurt cultivation. I checked mine every hour until it got up there. I think if you keep it at 185 for about 30 minutes, it will start to thicken, but I've never tried it.

Turn off the crockpot with the lid off, and cool back down to between 100-115 degrees. You do not want to kill the active yogurt cultures you're about to introduce to your warm milk. I got impatient and added some ice cubes to help cool it down. Still turned out great!

Now, here is where I forgot to take pictures. After you cool down the milk, using your small bowl, scoop about 1/2 C of the yogurt into the bowl and slowly ladle some of the warm 115 degree milk into the bowl and whisk. You want to bring the temperature of the yogurt up slowly as to not kill the cultures. When the yogurt mixture is almost up to temp with the milk, pour the mixture into the crockpot and whisk until combined. 

Put the lid back on, wrap in an old towel and place in the oven with the light on. We are incubating deliciousness here, friends. We like to be warm and snuggled, and so does this yogurt. Leave it in there UNTOUCHED for 12 hours. Do not sneak peeks. You will only disturb and jeopardize the magic. 

After 12 long hours, take out your new cultivated yogurt and marvel! Oh wait.. it doesn't look too great yet? Well, that's where the next step comes in.

Lay down two layers of cheesecloth in the strainer that is sitting in your large bowl. Make sure the cheesecloth is large enough, or else it will fall into the strainer and...it can get messy. Ladle the yogurt into the strainer and place uncovered in the fridge. Every 30 minutes, take it out, pick up the strainer and pour out the whey. You will be AMAZED at how much liquid will drain from this goodness. Not sure what to do with this leftover whey? Try these recipes for whey by the Prairie Homestead!

Once the consistency is how you'd like, fill up your containers with this fresh, yummy yogurt! I am so glad I found out how to do this, because this recipe made 2 1/2 pints of yogurt for $2 compared to $4 or $5 for a pint of greek yogurt. It's delicious, and I think once I get the hang of it, it will be an easy recipe to make every week!

I love adding wildflower honey and vanilla extract with granola for a yummy, protein filled breakfast! 

Try this recipe! Mix 1/2 C yogurt with wildflower honey (to taste) add a capful of vanilla, a spoonful of peanut butter, and a dash of cinnamon to make a yummy dessert for fruit and cookies! Sprouts Traditional Ginger Snaps are my favorite right now!

Make this recipe and let me know what you think! Did you do something differently? Do you have a short cut? How do you eat your yogurt?

New Beginnings

So. I just looked at my last post...and saw it was published LAST August. Crazy, huh? I can't believe I haven't posted anything since then. I guess I had a lot going on or something.. it's not like planning a wedding, being a full time student, working an internship and as a teacher's assistant took up any of my time. Man, I am SO glad that semester is over. Wait, did I just mention wedding planning?

I got married! It's been three months already, and this beautiful journey called marriage is pretty incredible. I'm still a noob, but here are three things I have learned so far:

1. I am selfish. And like... I made a decision to attach myself to someone. And one of their purposes is to make me more like Christ. And I'm not there yet, so...it can be a painful process at times- pride speaking-  but luckily I picked someone who is gracious about telling me when I am wrong. And I do the same for him.

2. The root of joy is gratefulness. The first few months we were married, I complained. A lot. We had everything we needed, yet I was in the habit of not being satisfied with what God had given me. It was pretty unattractive. Of course, God has given me everything I need, and will continue to give me what he knows I need in His time. To combat this, I've started a gratitude journal and I write down everything I am thankful for. Small, large, everything. I've found that I'm starting to recognize these blessings and gifts in my life much easier. I've begun to not focus on what I don't have, but what I do, and I've realized that it IS enough.

3. Boy roommates are the best. I get more closet space. He can reach things on top shelves for me. He thinks everything I cook for him is the greatest ever (well...almost). He picks great movies to watch. He's super attractive. And he's always up for snuggling.

But I digress ;)

These months have been so much fun! We also just got an apartment together after having saved up during the summer. After sleeping on the couch and air mattress for two weeks, we got to buy a king size bed in CASH! What?! This bundle of springs and soft cushiony pillows is the best decision of our marriage so far. Did you know that it's basically two twin sized beds put together?! It's magical.

Here are a few pics from our new place!

Before I got married, I used this blog to share what I had been learning...which seems silly now because even though we had read so many marriage books, when we got married, we realized we didn't know anything.

Now, I'm hoping to use this blog to document tried and true recipes, crafts and projects I'm working on, and sharing what the Lord is showing me in this crazy awesome journey.

Have an incredibly blessed day!!

Megan Birmingham