Chai-nana Smoothie

There's something about chai tea that I find so comforting. Maybe it's all the warm spices, or the fact that it calls to mind curling up with a mug of the steamy drink on a cold(or as cold as California gets) winter day. I'm picturing overcast skies, fuzzy socks, a good book: the whole nine yards. Curling up with a hot drink in the 100 plus degrees Fahrenheit August weather however, is not as much fun. And thus the Chai-nana Smoothie was born.


Awwwe, it's so cuuute!

Ice cold, sweetened with banana's, and blended with black tea, spices, and vanilla this drink has all the flavors of chai tea, but transformed into the perfect summer smoothie. For a thicker, soft serve ice cream like consistency, I like to pour the smoothie into an ice cream maker for about 8-10 minutes.

 

 

Chai-nana Smoothie

(Makes 2 servings)

Ingredients:


-1 1/2 cups non-dairy milk(I made flax milk by blending 1/2 cup flaxmeal with 6 cups of water in my vitamix, but if you use another non-dairy milk I might add a Tbs. or so flaxmeal for extra fiber and omega-3)
-1 black tea bag
-1/4-1/2 tsp. cinnamon
-1/4-1/2 tsp. cardamom
-Pinch ginger
-Pinch cloves
-Generous pinch salt
-1/2 tsp. vanilla
-2 large or 3 small frozen banana's(I slice mine before I freeze them so they blend easier)
-Optional: Generous pinch or two of psyllium or xanthan gum(this thickens the drink and helps create a creamier texture if freezing)


Method:


Boil 1/2 cup of non-dairy milk and steep tea bag for about 3 minutes(or longer if you want a stronger tea flavor). Add spices, salt, vanilla and remaining cup of milk. Chill in fridge or freezer, or add a couple ice cubes if you're in a rush. Pour tea-milk mixture into your blender and add frozen bananas and psyllium or xanthan if using. Blend on high until combined. Enjoy as is, or pour into an ice cream maker for a frozen treat.


Question:

-What's your favorite hot drink?