Center Food Fresh Salton Soy

Maybe you're vegan. Maybe you're lactose intolerant. Maybe you're just sick of oh-so-sweet, oh-so-overpriced Starbucks-style concoctions. Whatever the reason, if you've decided to try your hand at making your own soy chai tea, the tips and recipe below will help you concoct a delicious blend you can enjoy hot or iced.

Stocking your spice cupboard

While you can find most of the necessary spices at a typical supermarket, you'll save money by venturing to an Indian or Middle Eastern market or the bulk spices section of most health food stores. Stock up on the following:

• Cardamom pods (green or brown)
• Cinnamon sticks
• Cloves
• Fresh ginger root (in the produce section)
• Peppercorns (black)
• Vanilla beans (you only need one or two, as these are expensive and can be reused)

Technically, you can substitute ground spices for everything but the pepper and vanilla, but you'll be sacrificing flavor and producing a somewhat gritty blend. If you can't find vanilla beans though, it's okay to add a cap-full of vanilla instead--preferably real vanilla extract, not imitation vanilla.

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