Last updated on 12-May-2023
How is everyone doing? Is there anyone else reading this who pays attention to “Food Holidays”? I love following significant food-related dates, sometimes reading up on the origins of a certain food celebration, and even added some of my favourite food/ingredient holidays to my personal calendar!
Well, today’s post and recipe are inspired by one of these dates. Since 2005, International Tea Day has been celebrated on December 15 in several tea producing countries like India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Uganda and Tanzania. It aims to draw the attention of governments and citizens to the long history and the deep cultural and economic significance of tea around the world, to global tea trade workers and growers, raise awareness of sustainability and fair trade practices.
So, this “holiday” got me thinking about tea and being in December, it just feels timely to write about something comforting like a cup of tea to sit back with and relax. One of my favourites teas is Chai (or Masala Chai). A blend of black tea with warming spices like cardamom, clove, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, etc., which is very common in India and usually brewed with milk. If you have Indian or South Asian grocery stores in your area, you can find good Chai options there, but some larger regular grocery stores may have them as well.
I enjoy this fragrant tea year-round, but this combination of spices is perfect for the colder months and especially the holiday season! And to make “tea time” even more decadent, how about a delicious chai-flavoured brownie? Sounds good? Well, this is what I’m sharing below. It’s another reason to love Chai – enjoy!
Chai Brownie
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- ⅓ cup shredded coconut unsweetened, dry
- ½ cup chai strong, steeped in water
- ⅓ cup coconut oil melted, or other vegetable oil like sunflower or peanut
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup walnuts chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Line a square baking pan (or loaf pan) with parchment paper, OR grease pan and dust with about 1 tbsp cocoa powder, shaking off the excess.
- Mix dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, coconut, and walnuts (if using).
- Add wet ingredients: brewed chai, oil and vanilla. Mix just until incorporated.
- Spread the batter into prepared pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the top is no longer shiny, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 mins before cutting.
Notes
- Serve with a hot beverage for tea time, or as a sweet addition to a cozy brunch.
- Serve warm with your favourite ice-cream for a decadent dessert.