SIP, BLEND & CREATE: CRAFTING YOUR OWN SIGNATURE MASALAS HOUSE CHAI
By Linda Kissam “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva”
Welcome to the world of personal-style flavors and aromas! I just finished attending a chai blend–your–own class. In this interactive and hands-on class, DIY Your Own House Chai! ($50), five participants (including me!) had the opportunity to dive into the art of blending, and then creating, their very own signature Masala house chai.
ON BIG BLEND RADIO: Writer Linda Kissam “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva” talks with tea expert Friday Elliott about the world of tea, and the unique and interactive classes she holds online and in person at her tea shop, Friday Afternoon. Watch here in the YouTube player or download the episode on Podbean.
Five of us met on a sunny Seattle Saturday at the tea shop Friday Afternoon, in Wallingford, WA, to embark on a sensory journey with owner Friday Elliott. We explored the rich history and traditions of chai-making. We learned how to expertly and scientifically combine various spices and ingredients to craft a blend that was uniquely our own. By the end of the session, we not only took home a pouch of our own customized Masala chai, but also a wealth of knowledge in the art of blending chai.
This is a joyful experience where the participants learn to create a chai blend that speaks to their individual tastes and intentions and is something they would love to share with guests. My own personal blend, which I called “Summer Kind,” was a diva-ish blend of Darjeeling tea as a base, sparkled up with peach bits, vanilla, and cardamom. Our teacher, Friday, gave as much guidance or hands-off instruction as we asked for. I explained what I was trying to accomplish. Friday walked me through the process showing me how to measure, pour, scoop, and spritz my way to perfection. Once I understood how to approach the ingredients, I was a whirling dervish of blend master.
As background, Friday Afternoon is a delightful tea company based in Seattle, WA, known for its whimsical and creative blends. Founded by Friday Elliott, the company offers a variety of unique and handcrafted teas that cater to tea lovers looking for something out of the ordinary, like their Magical Cat tea blend. It also hosts tea events and pop-ups around the Seattle area, providing tea enthusiasts with the opportunity to taste and experience their exceptional blends in person.
If you are in Seattle in the fall, check out the NW Tea Festival at the Seattle Center where I found them and a hundred other specialty tea vendors. It is a tea-lovers nirvana, just sayin’…
As I left this class, filled with newfound knowledge and a personalized Masala house chai blend in hand, I understood that the true magic lies in the experience of creating something from scratch based on personal taste.
May each sip of your own Masala chai experience serve as a reminder of the fun and joy found in blending, and may it inspire you to continue exploring the world of tea and flavors with curiosity and enthusiasm.
Namaste.
Linda Kissam ‘Food, Wine & Shopping Diva’ is a professional travel, food, and wine writer based out of Southern California, who specializes in easy, breezy destination stories sharing her favorite things about the places she visits. Visit www.AllInGoodTaste.info.
