Cashew Golden Chai: A Warming Beverage for Chilly Evenings
As the days grow shorter and the evenings chillier, I find myself gravitating toward comforting foods and beverages. One welcome addition to my routine has been a warm mug of Cashew Golden Chai, a drink my husband has come to love as well.
For years, my evenings frequently included a glass of wine or an Old Fashioned cocktail — something to sip on while we unwind with the evening news (not exactly relaxing), test our knowledge on Jeopardy (I’m better at Wheel of Fortune), or catch up on emails (I have dreams of a 0 inbox!). While I still enjoy those beverages on occasion, I’ve become more intentional about my alcohol consumption. This change has significantly improved my health, sleep, and overall mental state.
What I love most about this Cashew Golden Chai is how easy it is to prepare. There’s no need to soak the cashews; you can blend the ingredients together in a matter of minutes and gently heat the mixture for a comforting drink that’s ready in no time.
Health Benefits of Spices and Cashews
This chai is packed with warming spices that not only taste great but also offer numerous health benefits. Ginger, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, aids in digestion. Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound, which is better absorbed when paired with black pepper. Cardamom supports digestion and reduces inflammation, while cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar levels.
The cashews in this recipe provide healthy fats and plant-based protein, giving the chai its creamy texture. A hint of maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness, making it feel like a dessert without the excess sugar.
I hope you find this Cashew Golden Chai as comforting as I do, especially during the chilly fall and winter months. It’s a delicious alternative to traditional evening beverages that nourishes both body and mind.
Cheers,
Christina
Cashew Golden Chai
Equipment
- A high speed blender such as a Vitamix is helpful for the best texture
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw, unsalted cashews
- 6 cups water
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp ground turmeric If using Penzey's brand, reduce to 1 ½ tsp
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- pinch freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high speed blender and blend until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Gently heat and pour into your favorite cup. Sprinkle with cinnamon on top and enjoy.
Nutrition
Discover more from Food + Family + Friends
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Leave a Reply