Spice Spice Baby—Homemade Chai Tea at Spice Revolution!

Hey everyone and a happy Monday to all of you!

In today’s video, I traveled to Dobbs Ferry to interview Linzi Jean Fastiggi, owner of Spice Revolution to check out her shop and find out about some new and exotic spices that can be added to your meals to not only enhance flavor but also boost the health benefits of your food!

Once upon a time, spices were as coveted as gold for their antibacterial and immune boosting properties and were used not only for culinary purposes but also medicinal and religious purposes as well. In today’s MM we are going to learn about some tried and true spices that have been shown to help protect against cancer and boost immune function and also hear about a couple of new ones that are delicious and can turn any meal into an event.

In addition, you are going to learn how to make delicious homemade Chai tea! So many of my clients tell me they just love Chai tea but unfortunately, so many of them are having the boxed, sweetened kind of chai that is loaded in sugar and thwarting any health benefits that traditional Chai contains. There is no need! The homemade Chai you will hear about today is aromatic, delicious, and the spices can help boost immunity, improve digestion and keep you warm all winter long!

Just in time for Thanksgiving, this is a recipe you will not want to miss! And because I know how much you all love recipes, Linzi Jean is going to share with us a delicious recipe that she makes in order to enjoy her most popular spice, Vadovan!

But that’s not all! You are also going to learn about an interesting and amazing garlic that she recommends which can be used in cooking or as a delicious spread on crackers or bread. This is a must-see Motivational Monday for sure.

And then I want to hear from YOU! What did you think about Linzi’s unusual garlic? Have you ever cooked with Vadouvan and if so, what do you make with it? After watching today, make a cup of chai and let me know what you think about todays Motivational Monday!

Wishing you all a fantastic Thanksgiving! This year, in addition to my health and the health and well-being of the people I love, I am most grateful for all of YOU! Your feedback, emails and positive comments are the reason I love doing what I do. I hope all of you have a peaceful and healthy Thanksgiving!

Lots of love!
xo
B

Vadouvan Whole Roasted Chicken

Ingredients

  • 3 cloves fresh garlic whole
  • 1.5 tablespoons Vadouvan
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3lb fresh chicken (brined 30 min)
  • 1 onion-optional

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 405 degrees. Spilt garlic cloves in half and stick into cavity. Cover chicken with olive oil then rub Vadouvan all over chicken. Cut up onion to make a bed for chicken in roasting pan. Sprinkle a little extra Vadouvan over onions (chicken must be raised during cooking for circulation, you can use onion, a ramekin or a roasting rack). Place chicken in pan and roast for 25 min, then lower oven temperature to 350 degrees and cook 18-22 min per pound, til juices run clear. After cooking let chicken rest 12-15 min, then enjoy!

Black Garlic

Black Garlic is one of Spice Revolution’s best selling products. This is an organic domestic garlic, that has been fermented for a sweetness that is unmatched by garlic in other forms. Black Garlic also has a unique texture, soft and tender. Try it cut up over a salad, or use it in the base of your soups and stocks for a rich sweet flavor. Pesticide-free garlic used. Originally developed by the Koreans, black garlic has twice the antioxidants of regular garlic. You can also spread it directly over bagels and breads.

Spiced Yellow Rice Mix

Ingredients

  • Rice (short grain rice is recommended)
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon course grey salt (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika hot
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika sweet

Directions

Add all spices to the water while cooking the rice, with a tiny bit of olive oil. Follow instructions on package for rice, as they tend to vary.

Autumn Chai Tea

Ingredients

  • Black Pepper
  • Fennel Seeds
  • Cardamom Pods
  • Whole Clove
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground Ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
  • Black tea of your choice
  • Almond Milk

Directions

Use a pestle and mortar to coarsely grind the cardamon, clove, pepper and fennel so that the spices break open, and add them to a small amount of almond milk in your cup. Add the ground ginger, ground cinnamon, tea, and hot water. Mix well. Allow to steep for 3 minutes and then enjoy! (Strain spices if preferred.)