I partnered with LincWay to have a chai tea class.
This is one of my all-time favorite tea classes to teach. It is hands on and can be different for each person.
LincWay is a great place to have a party. Their rooms are really nice and clean. I love that I get the tables, chairs, TV, there is also a sink in there too. And the restrooms are right outside the room.
I set up for 17 guests.
I had a spice box for each table.
Each table had spices, Assam broken tea for the base of the tea, and jaggary (Indian Sugar) in the center to share.
Each person then was given a sheet of the chai spices with their flavor profiles and health benefits.
They were given the tea menu for the class. They also each had a cup for trying the chai teas I made for the class. Then they had a recipe card to write down their tea recipe. They each had a mortar and pestle to use. There was a 1/2 tsp for measuring. Also there was a to go container and a teabag to take home so they could brew their chai blend.
I also picked up Kulhad cups at this great Indian grocery store. I have been looking for these cups all over the internet, but they were super pricey. I was able to pick these up for $1 each. I had them on the tables for people look at and enjoy.
Chai Wallahs along the streets of India traditionally serve chai in Kulhads. They give the chai an "earthy aroma" that is often considered appealing. They say that the side of the streets of India can be littered with broken clay cups. This is okay because the clay is biodegradable-unlike plastic. Also, you would not want the cup to be re-used by a vendor, so breaking them is recommended.
These clay cups are cheaper than plastic or glass.
I've also read that the clay is good for you and some people even chew on the cups. They are also hygienic because they are made by a firing kiln under high temperatures ensuring a sterile cup.
I made a sweet chai and a spicey chai for everyone to try. To get an idea of the type of chai they might enjoy and want to create.
I used my Indian Teapots to serve from.
I used blankets and scarfs from India as decorations.
I picked up desserts at an Indian grocery store in Cuyahoga Falls a few days before the class.
2619 Bailey Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
While at the Indian grocery store I picked up this huge tray for $9.99
I thought I was getting really fun cookies, but the Mathi & Feni was not a box of cookies, but 3 giant cookies. And they were not good. They were oily and did not have much flavor. They were a huge fail for me.
I broke up the 3 big cookies into smaller pieced. The pistachio shortbread cookies were good though.
This was a really fun class. I think everyone enjoyed creating their own blends.
They'd blend some spices, check the list and see what else they may want to add. They also smelled the tea blend and see what might be missing.
This is my blend from 2023.
Someone asked me if it is more economical to make your own chai or buy it.
I think probably cheaper to buy pre-made chai. But if you were making a lot for gifts, it may be worth it to make it yourself...and it a lot more fun and personal. It also is a special unique gift.
I let people know that Ohio Tea sells all the spices, you don't have to get them from India. Also, I discovered the Indian Grocery Store in Cuyahoga Falls has a huge selection of Indian spices and the prices were really good. If you have access to those spices and those prices you could make chai for about the same price.
If they did not want to make a black chai, they did not have to add tea leaves. With no tea leaves it becomes and herbal chai.
While I was setting up, Delight from LincWay made me a Lavender Butterfly Pea tea with mango bursting bubbles. It was delicious!
Check out LincWay if you are looking to rent a space for an hour or a day
1 Peter 4:10-11, ESV
1 Peter 4:10-11, ESV
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
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