The idea for a chai tea protein shake was inspired by the Energie Fitness web site, in which cinnamon was added to a vanilla protein shake. If cinnamon, why not chai flavors? In searching for a chai recipe online, a recipe was found by Cross Plains residents, Marty and Bob Gustafson. Their Campfire Chai Tea recipe, which appeared in the Summer 2011 Penzey’s Spice Catalog, helped provide a base for these recipes. All of the spices were already in my pantry, and are likely in yours as well!
If you love Chai, you will LOVE these recipes!Chai Tea Vanilla Protein Shake (Chilled)
This vegan, yellow pea-based shake is packed with Chai flavor and is not only delicious, but offers extra benefits with the spices incorporated into the drink. Powdered spices are used for convenience.
• 1 Arbonne Essentials Detox Tea Bag steeped in 6 oz hot water for several minutes• 2 scoops Arbonne Essentials Vanilla Protein Shake
• 1 scoop Arbonne Essentials Fiber Boost
• 1 tsp. Penzey’s Korintje Indonesian cinnamon
• ½ tsp. Penzey’s Cardamom Ground Seeds
• ¼ tsp. Penzey’s Chinese Ground Ginger
• ¼ tsp. Penzey’s Ground Madagascar and Ceylon Cloves
• 4-6 oz. Pure Silk Almond Milk (Pure Silk brand does not contain soy.)
Directions: Add tea with bag removed, and all dry ingredients to blender. Pour almond milk on top, with two ice cubes if desired. Blend well. Perve over ice cubes. Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top if desired.
Note: Peppercorns are not used in this recipe as done with most traditional Chai, but one may grind ¼ t. peppercorns and add if desired. Also, the vanilla protein powder contains Stevia - additional sweetner is not needed.
Chai Tea Vanilla Protein Shake (Hot Version)
In this warm version of a protein shake, it is important that the protein powders are not heated on stove top or in microwave as this will alter the molecular structure of isolated proteins. (There is a good reason Arbonne cold processes their nutritional products!) A hot drink is rather strange if thick, and therefore, this beverage cuts back on protein powder. Add additional almond milk for desired sipping consistency.
• 4 oz. Pure Silk Almond Milk simmered on stove top to be heated thoroughly (may thicken)
• 1 Arbonne Essentials Detox Tea Bag steeped in 6 oz hot water for several minutes
• 1 scoop Arbonne Essentials Vanilla Protein Shake
• 1 scoop Arbonne Essentials Fiber Boost
• 1 tsp. Penzey’s Korintje Indonesian cinnamon
• ½ tsp. Penzey’s Cardamom Ground Seeds
• ¼ tsp. Penzey’s Chinese Ground Ginger
• ¼ tsp. Penzey’s Ground Madagascar and Ceylon Cloves
Directions: With tea bag removed pour hot tea into blender, and all dry ingredients. Pour hot almond milk on top. Blend well. Serve in mug. Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top if desired.
Chocolate Chai Inspired Protein Shake (Shaken, Not Stirred)
Chocolate and cinnamon have long been paired together. Inspired by this thought, an experiment in using traditional Chai tea spices in a chocolate protein shake produced sensational results! Note amounts of spices are increased as the chocolate is pretty rich in this protein powder. Tea is not used, but cold tea could be incorporated if desired (reducing almond milk). Powdered spices simplify blending in a shaker cup.
• 2 scoops Arbonne Essentials Vanilla Protein Shake
• 1 scoop Arbonne Essentials Fiber Boost
• 1 tsp. Penzey’s Korintje Indonesian cinnamon
• 1 tsp. Penzey’s Cardamom Ground Seeds
• 1/2 tsp. Penzey’s Chinese Ground Ginger
• ¼ tsp. Penzey’s Ground Madagascar and Ceylon Cloves
• 10-12 oz. Pure Silk Almond Milk (Pure Silk brand does not contain soy.)
Directions: Pour 4 oz. of almond milk into shaker cup. Add fiber powder, spices, a little more almond milk. Add scoop of protein powder, more milk, and remaining scoop of protein powder and the rest of the milk. Ensure lid is on tightly and shake vigorously in all directions. Note: By layering liquid and dry ingredients in a shaker cup the mixture will blend more smoothly. Tip: If you have more than one shaker cup, adding a second wire ball to the cup after the first scoop of protein powder is added works like a charm for easy “shaker blending”. If desired, mixture can be blended with ice cubes in a blender for a thicker shake.
Using Essentials protein powders, the shakes are completely vegan. They are also gluten free, cholesterol free, free of artificial flavors, colors and sweeteners, and contain no soy, which is particularly important for cancer survivors or those with thyroid issues. (Vist my sidebar of "healthful sites" for additional reading on these topics, or search previous blog posts with key words at top right.)
Health Benefits of Spices Used:
Cardamom is considered to have many health benefits, many relating to the digestive system, like stimulating the digestive system, reducing gas, and counteracting stomach acidity. It is said to even help with halitosis. It is considered beneficial to the urinary-tract system and is considered a kidney cleanser. Cardamom is used to improve the circulation of the lungs and to treat asthma in Ayurvedic medicine. *ORAC Value: 2,764
Cinnamon in renown for its health benefits. Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol. Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes. In additional studies, cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections. In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month. One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory. What’s not to love about cinnamon! *ORAC Value: 131,420
Cloves are an excellent source of manganese, vitamin C, K, and dietary fiber, as well as a good source of calcium and magnesium. The use of cloves to soothe toothaches has long been a part of history. Additionally, the compound eugenol from cloves has been found to be a potent platelet inhibitor (prevents blood clots). Cloves have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic properties; and are also known as a great spice to heal ailments of the digestive system. They are well known for relieving flatulence and can actually help promote good digestion as well as metabolism. Cloves may also help relieve vomiting and diarrhea as well as a host of other digestive disorders. *ORAC Value: 290,283
Ground Ginger: The active ingredient in ginger is gingerol, a compound that's thought to relax blood vessels, stimulate blood flow and relieve pain. It's commonly used as a digestive aid and contains compounds that ease motion sickness and nausea and inhibit vomiting. This makes it a helpful spice for morning sickness or for people suffering from the side effects of chemotherapy. Ginger is also an anti-inflammatory, which means it may be useful in fighting heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease and arthritis. Plus, it's high in antioxidants that fight all kinds of diseases. *ORAC Value: 39,041
*ORAC values derived from http://www.oracvalues.com/
I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as my family!!
To your heatlh!
Rita S.
This is really a great protein shake. The Chai tea minimizes muscle pain and soreness while cinnamon helps control blood sugar levels and the potassium in bananas replenishes electrolyte. The bananas also replace glycogen stores and enhance protein absorption. Finally, protein has the ideal mix of amino acids to quickly jumps tart muscle growth and repair. Thanks a lot.
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TYPO in the Chocolate Chai shake recipe - use CHOCOLATE protein powder, not vanilla. Sorry!
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