David Rio Power Chai Review & Recipe

On occasion, my best friend in the world stops by the clinic and brings me a chai tea. It is the most delicious beverage ever. Especially when it's unexpected and delivered to you at work. I love her so much. I asked her what kind of chai it was (as I am very particular about my chai) and she told me it's David Rio's Elephant Vanilla Chai made with soy milk. I knew I had to get my hands on some of this chai tea powder. I went onto the David Rio site to learn about this most delicious chai, because that's just the kind of person I am. Must. Research. Everything. Based out of San Francisco, all David Rio chai is GMO-free and kosher, and their Tiger Spice Chai is organic. As part of their mission, they work with animal welfare organisations such as the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and several others. I thought, of course, that is was absolutely fabulous. I read somewhere that every dollar you spend, you are casting a vote for the kind of world you want to live in...or something like that. It's hard to find companies that have integrity and do genuinely take an interest in animal welfare and rights.

All their chai mixes are called "dairy-free". They use a non-dairy creamer as a milk substitute in the powder mixes. However, the non-dairy creamer does contain sodium caseinate, which is a milk derivative. But, it is technically considered a non-dairy product. Yet, I personally, couldn't feel good about drinking something with sodium caseinate. And Todd, of course, cannot have any milk whatsoever because it's a big trigger for his rheumatoid arthritis.

Saddened, I knew I couldn't justify purchasing any of the chia mixes, even with all the great work they do for animal welfare charities! While perusing their website I saw that they have one variety of chai that is completely dairy-free, their Power Chai! I was so excited, I cannot even tell you. Behold, the David Rio Power Chai. 

The Power Chai is absolutely lovely. It's a delicious blend of black tea and Japanese Matcha, a ceremonial green tea powder. Rich and frothy, this chai is bold, lively and sure to put a smile on your face. You know how sometimes when something is so good, it makes you do a little dance? No? That's just me, huh. Well, it makes me do a little dance. Todd knows what I'm talking about. 

There is only one place in Alaska that carries David Rio tins for purchase, but they do not carry the Power Chai. I plan to ask our local grocery store to carry it! Please check out their site here to see all their wonderful products and the good they extend toward animal welfare! Amazon.com also carries David Rio, but again, the Power Chai is only available with an outrageous shipping cost. Perhaps because it's new? Maybe in the coming year, it too will be available!

Move over Oregon Chai. This is my new favorite chai. My take on the basic David Rio Power Chai tea latte is made with creamy, silky coconut milk with a little splash of sweet vanilla and a pinch of cayenne for a little spicy bite. 

Invigorating Power Chai Latte

Makes 1 large mug

• 1 1/2 cups cartoned coconut milk (I use Silk Vanilla)
• 3 Tbsp. David Rio Power Chai mix
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
• pinch of cayenne pepper

Heat the coconut milk milk in the microwave or over low heat on the stove. 

Whisk in the chai mix, vanilla and cayenne pepper. 

Serve hot and frothy!

Todd and I sipped this chai while wrapping presents. Check out this sweet wrap job. The paper is actually part of the packaging from the box that David Rio sent me. I'm not making that up. Yes, I use packing paper for all my gifts. Don't judge. It's awesome, economical and environmentally friendly. I asked Todd for a hippy high five when I told him this. He did not disappoint. Crazy hippies for the win!

Do you like Todd's snowflake? I told him it was a bit Southwestern, I don't think it was on purpose...but we had a good chuckle about it. OMG, we are lame. Also, as of right now, that greenery you see is our Christmas tree. Waaahhhh! 

Yes, I am listening to a playlist called, Jazzy Christmas.... Harry Connick, Jr. – Have A Holly Jolly Christmas

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*DISCLAIMER*  PRODUCE ON PARADE IS A PERSONAL BLOG WRITTEN AND EDITED BY MYSELF AND TODD ONLY, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. OUR REVIEWS ARE COMPLETELY BASED ON OUR OWN OPINIONS OF THE PRODUCT REVIEWED. WE ARE NOT PAID TO WRITE POSTS. THESE PRODUCTS WERE SUPPLIED TO US AS GIFTS BY THE COMPANY TO TEST AND REVIEW. OTHERWISE, IF WE MENTION A COMPANY BY NAME AND THERE IS NO DISCLAIMER AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST, WE ARE MERELY WRITING ABOUT SOMETHING WE LIKE, PURCHASE AND/OR USE. THE FACT THAT WE DO RECEIVE A PRODUCT AS A GIFT TO TEST AND REVIEW, WILL NEVER POSITIVELY INFLUENCE THE CONTENT MADE IN OUR POST.

Healing Spiced Turmeric Tea

My dad told me today that it was just so awesome that Todd's inflammation levels are back to normal and how much better he's doing than half a year ago. He then told me, nonchalantly, that I am "some witch-doctor"...thanks...Dad... Well, Mr. Todd is sick today. He's got a stomach bug/flu or something. So, being my witch-doctor self, I recalled a kind of turmeric "tonic" or other, on the world wide web. I decided that this was exactly what my one true love needed...among Aleve.

Turmeric is quite the powerful little spice. It's a strong anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory little root that is a vibrant orange-yellowish color and will stain anything it touches. Head on over to Refinery 29 to read this short, informative article on Why Turmeric Might Just Be The Healthiest Spice Of All Time and then promptly go make this tea!

My Healing Spiced Turmeric Tea is...dare I say reminiscent of eggnog? Throw a bit a rum in and it really would! Among turmeric, it has nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamon, black pepper, and ginger. Wait, this seems to be venturing into Chai territory? Well, either way, it's base is silky coconut milk, and with the addition of xanthan gum it really makes this tea super creamy and dreamy. The vanilla and maple syrup add a comforting, sweet note.

Healing Spiced Turmeric Tea

Inspired by Simple Veda

Makes 2 cups

• 2 cups coconut milk (from carton, I like Silk)
• 1 Tbsp. ground turmeric
• 1 Tbsp. fresh ginger paste (or chopped ginger root)
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• a dash of freshly ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp. xanthan gum powder (optional) 
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
• pinch of black pepper
• 1 Tbsp. maple syrup

In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients except the maple syrup and whisk vigorously to combine over medium heat. Continue to whisk every so often, until the tea is almost boiling.

Remove from heat and whisk in the maple syrup. Strain through a fine mesh strainer and serve hot!

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Hazelnut Chai Nightcap

So, I've been making this Hazelnut Chai Nightcap at bedtime, for about a week straight now. I thought it was time that I stopped being so selfish and share it with you. It's not really a secret that I'm a horrid sleeper. As are my dad and my older brother. That eye mask you see in the photo below is mine. I wear it every night. I also sleep with earplugs every night. No, it's not because it's noisy outside our house. It's Alaska after all...we really don't have neighbors.

I wear ear plugs because...well, how should I say this...I find patterns in the quiet of the night. Like the spinning of the ceiling fan and how it's just a bit loose and so it makes a subtle clink, clink, clink every time it goes around. Or Bob and his measured breathing. And there's nothing about the sound of rain that helps me sleep. These noises get me thinking. I begin comparing the sounds to other sounds. Sounds I've heard from people I've met or places I've been. Memories and thoughts past, present, and future abound. Then I can't sleep. My mind gives me the middle finger, grumbles, and fusses that it's not yet tired. There's nothing rhythmic about Todd's snoring though. I know how crazy this sounds. 

Yet, I've worn earplugs since I was in high school. Along with my entire family. This is odd due to the fact that I grew up on a very quiet road, on the side of a mountain, on the outskirts of a town with a population of 5,000. Oh, and we were surrounded by 80 acres of personal, forest-filled land. Oh, and six months of the year it's dark from ten thirty to five. Yes. Only I wear the eye mask in our family, but why do we all wear earplugs? The real answer is that I really have no freaking clue.

So, that long-winded story was all to point out that I sometimes often have trouble sleeping. I have melatonin tablets, I have over the counter sleep aids, I have eye masks and earplugs, I even have an Ambien. I've drank Tart Cherry juice before bed and I run for an hour, at least five days a week.

Now that the nights are getting cold, I've been curling up with this little nightcap to aid in a warm and peaceful slumber. Hazelnut Kahlua combined with Oregon Chai Dreamscape Tea and warm, sweet coconut milk is the perfect recipe for a cozy night in. With this, I don't even need most of those other sleep aids. 

Hazelnut Chai Nightcap

Inspired by my sweet tooth

Serves 1

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 chai tea bag (I use Oregon Chai Dreamscape tea)
• 1/2-1 Tbsp. Hazelnut Kahlua
• -- Note-- I really prefer Silk's coconut milk and the Oregon Chai Tea bags cannot be beat. Get the Dreamscape one for caffeine free!

Microwave the coconut milk in a large mug for about 2 minutes.

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Add in the Kahula. You can double the amount if you're feeling naughty.

Add the tea bag and allow to steep for as long as you'd like. If you're like me, that means until you've drank every last drop. I like my tea like I like my men...strong, hot and vegan! Oh, I am so corny. I couldn't resist the vulgarity though. Todd is mortified, I am sure of it. 

Serve piping hot and in bed. Book required. Eye mask and earplugs optional. 

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