Let’s take a break from the Italian adventures. I promise not for long. Today, I invite you on a different kind of journey, a trip down memory lane, as I dive deep into the depths of many memories back home. Come, travel with me as I make short stops and immerse in chunks of my past…
♦While the smoldering sun seeped through iron-grilled window panes, the kitchen is ridden with the rattle of pots & pans and infused & bursting with the scent of aromatic spices. It’s 4 pm & amma needs her usual cup of Chai. Dried tea leaves are brewed in hot water & enriched with Ginger, Cardamom, Tulasi, Star Anise & Cloves. The heat leaches out all the goodness in these spices & although subtle they wind up revamping it into royalty.Then comes the milk that our milk-man has delivered fresh in the morning. Boiled again for good measure, strained and served. But for her, Masala Chai is more than just tea-time. It’s a time to immerse in herself, albeit for a few minutes. A time to wash away monotonous responsibilities( although I highly doubt a mother’s heart lends her permission to do that), a time to submerge in calm & forget the challenges of life or at the least keep them aside for a short while. I like to think it’s a rudimentary nectar she takes assistance from to keep herself sane from the obligations & madness that perpetually surround her.
♦Maybe I should share with you my earliest memory of drinking Chai. It was the time when I metamorphosised into a night owl owing to the pressures of student life. Yes, dentistry changed me plenty and that can occupy a whole new blogpost in itself but gulping cups of warm milk-tea was a routine confined only to certain nightmares called internals. I say “drinking” because it was certainly not something I relished. Never an indulgence, just an infaliable drug that I yielded to in order to pull an all nighter.
♦Like my father, I have failed to fantasize tea in this form, unable to dwell in it’s glories & rhapsodize it’s greatness. However, I still label myself a teophile because I happen to admire it in it’s simplest attire. Black or green with a squeeze of lemon or orange. Maybe some mint, seldom a shred of chocolate or ginger! The husband unlike me is enraptured by the kick, power & sweetness of Masala Chai. He is beyond devoted. Those rare days when my parents visited us, mother & son-in-law were able to toss out awkward formalities, all over a warm cup of Masala Chai.

♦I realise I still haven’t made a mention of the 6 foot, 22 year old baby we had with us over weekends while in Bangalore, my youngest brother. He like my mother considers this drink an essential, a staple. I remember nudging him to get to his books whilst tempting with a cup of Chocolate Chai. Worked like a charm, every time.
His passion extends beyond the seclusion of home. Like when he excitedly told us about bustling mornings in Old Hyderabad where he woke up to Chai, Bun & Osmania biscuits. Or when he suggested I try an Iced Chai Spice Latte with condensed milk & whole spices after religiously learning it from a You Tube video.
While I sing songs of nostalgia, I hate to admit that I’m still learning & compelling my tastebuds to render itself to it’s grandeur. Let me clarify, that doesn’t mean I lack appreciation. I do and a special one at that when the Rain Gods pay a visit! Despite the little detests, I am thankful & Masala Chai has invariably become a big part of my life. This recipe is an homage to this warm beverage, an attempt to fall in love with the magic it exudes. Because we all know, if there’s one drink that stands in equal might with Filter Kaapi, it’s this!
My Masala Chai Cupcakes are dedicated to people like me who prefer desserts to pretty much anything else. To people like me who don’t particularly love Chai but are open to similar flavour profiles.
To the ones who’ve already proclaimed their love for Masala Chai because every bite of this rich cupcake is synonymous with a sweet, fragrant sip of warmth.
And lastly to the brave ones who are willing to experiment & surrender to something new.
Whoever you are and whatever category you find yourself in, I urge you to try these cupcakes, you will not be disappointed.
As always these cupcakes are egg free, and suffused with freshly ground lavanga (cloves), elaichi (cardamom), Chakra Moggu (Star anise) & freshly grated ginger. They remain the true stars of this show. As the mortar & pestle did their bit, it was almost calming to drink in whiffs of these magical spices and not to forget, redolent of many special times.Tea decoction is added in good measure as well and topped with a generous amount of Chai infused buttercream.
RECIPE FOR EGGLESS MASALA CHAI CUPCAKES (Makes 6)
INGREDIENTS
MASALA CHAI CUPCAKES:
3/4th cup All Purpose Flour + 1 tbsp
1/2 cup Granulated sugar
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
3 tbsp oil
1/2 tbsp white vinegar
1/2 cup milk + 1 tsp white vinegar to make buttermilk
2-3 tbsp of Tea Decoction ( I used Tetley tea bags.)
1.5 tsp of Chai Spice-
2 cloves
4-5 Elaichi/Green Cardamom pods
2-3 small pods of Star Anise
1- tsp of Fresh grated Ginger
1/4 tsp of powdered Ginger
CHAI SPICE BUTTERCREAM:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
1 1/2 cup of Icing sugar
4 tsp of heavy cream/milk
A pinch of salt
1- 1.5 tsp of Chai Spice
Others:
Crumbled cookies or biscuits
METHOD:
MASALA CHAI CUPCAKES
◊ Make the Chai Spice by grinding Cardamom, Cloves, Star Anise. Add powdered ginger as well.
◊ Preheat oven to 350 F and place cupcake liners in the tray.
◊Make Tea Decoction by boiling 1/4 cup of water and immersing 2 tea bags. Allow it to brew.
I used Tetley bags but tea leaves can be used too. The Cardamom peel can be added to this decoction as it brews.
◊Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl .(All purpose flour, Granulated Sugar, Baking Soda, Chai Spice)
◊Incorporate the wet ingredients-Oil, White vinegar & Grated ginger
◊Make buttermilk by incorporating 1 tsp white vinegar into 1/2 cup milk. Add this to the remaining ingredients. Whisk well to ensure there are no lumps.
◊ Add 2 tbsp of tea decoction and stir it into the batter.
◊ Next, taste! And I consider this the most important step because if the batter needs any extra spice or tea, then it’s important to add it at this point. The batter should taste like Masala chai
◊ Bake for 17-22 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
◊ Cool completely.
CHAI SPICE BUTTERCREAM
◊ Beat softened butter and heavy cream for a minute until creamy.
◊ Add the icing sugar in parts and beat well.
◊ Incorporate the Chai Spice according to taste. I added a teaspoon.
TO ASSEMBLE-
Frost the completely cooled cupcakes with the Chai Spice Buttercream and top with a dollop (or more!).
Crumble Almond Biscotti or any cookie/rusk on top.
NOTE:
1) Don’t restrict yourself to just these ingredients. Cinnamon, Tulasi etc can be added too. Experiment with individual proportions as well.
2)The quantity of chai spice in the cupcakes & the buttercream can be varied depending on your taste buds.
3) If you’re curious about the flower deco – It’s a buttercream blossom made using Wilton tip #104
4) I apologize for this very , very long post!
Wow, what a beautiful post about the humble cup of tea Divya. I can’t do without my two cups of tea. A big fan of the beverage.
Today was planning to bake a cake. Your masala chai cupcake recipe couldn’t have come at a better time. Will try it out and revert back!
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Hey Divya, the cupcakes turned out great…..moist and full of flavor!! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe👌💛💚
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Oh my God! You tried them!! Sorry I’m seeing all the comments now… Thank you for trying it .. I’m so grateful & happy you liked it:) You made my day Radhika😘😘❤️
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I’m surrounded by many tea lovers like you… That’s why the inspiration😊 Thank you for these loving & encouraging words Radhika❤️
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And thank you dear for giving me a new and amazing recipe 💚💛
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No thank you for trying it 🙂
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Fans of the tea I mean 🙂
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😁😁
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Hi Radhika😊
Ive been commenting on all your posts but none of them are getting registered for some reason🙁 I tried on the app, laptop, desktop version but none are working. All my comments are vanishing into thin air! Infact I just commented on your latest post as well but it has not been registered. I hope the technical issue gets resolved soon!
Your son’s doughnuts are simply amazing … you are one lucky mom 😊
And your aunt in truly an inspiration 🙏🏻 Age is indeed just a number isn’t it!
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Thanks so much Divya! Your feedback always means a lot to me. Is it an issue you are facing at your end ? Are you able to comment on other blogs?
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I checked but the comments are getting registered on other blogs.
I must have tried at least 5 times Radhika… not sure what could be wrong … I hope none of your other regular readers have faced this issue.
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Oh ok. Let me check it out too. Nobody else has mentioned it so far.
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Guess we just have to wait for WordPress to resolve it:)…
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You’re very welcome my dear! I look forward to reading your lovely posts😍
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🙂 🙂
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Amazing post. My mornings begin with coffee and my evenings with chair. Got so used to this pattern. This chair cup cake sounds delicious. Yummm
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Thank you so much Vidhya! Means a lot:-)
Evening chai is a special time isn’t it?:)
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Errrr.. Chai got auto corrected to chair 😁😁😁
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Haha no worries…I’m the queen of typos!! 🙂
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These cupcakes looks great like your sketches😊… couldn’t take my eyes off😊
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Oh you’re so kind Lathiya! Appreicate you stopping by:-)
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A different receipe
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Thank you so much 🙂
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You come up with some really amazing recipes. Divya 😃
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You’re very kind Asha! Thank you my dear:-)
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How beautiful 🙂
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Thank you so much Carol:-)
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Lovely recipe Divya! I could not agree more, my mom loves chai especially the masala version..but since there are no takers at home it never gets done:) I am more a coffee person, though I can drink lemon tea sometimes. Enjoyable read as always:)
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Oh haha…that happens! Ah so you’re a fan of Filter Kappi?
Thank you so much for taking the time read Rashmi! Means a lot:-)
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Houdu filter coffee ashte:)
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Did you decorate those cupcakes?? They are gorgeous and the photos are perfect! My husband loves the flavors of chai–I should really try to make these for him . . . .
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I did Kerry, thank you so much! 🙂
They’re made with buttercream
Please do try it & let me know if you like them 🙂
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A salute to that masala tea creation!! Tried masala creme brulee, but this cake is new for me. Sounds so delicious and those photographs are amazing as usual. Very creative recipe.
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Thank you for those encouraging words Sumith…means a lot coming from a creative chef such as you! Appreciate you taking the time to read:-) Thanks again:)
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Love reading your blogs Divya:)
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Thank you Sumith:) …
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I too belong to the chai brigade and can relish the cuppa in any form, masala or otherwise and was truly overwhelmed by your fantastic trip down memory lane and yes, those chai moments that your mom got for herself, a few minutes of staying away from the humdrum of a household is so touching,,,these are what mothers are made of aren’t they?
The cup cakes are truly amazing and I need to try out these but I dread from trying out for fear of a flop show, that I am so very famous for:)
Loved the family tales of the yore that are a delight to read over and over again! You are truly amazing with your way of words and expression DD that capture the minds and hearts of the readers.
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Hi Sunita
Thank you for those encouraging & kind words…means a lot coming from you 🙂 Thank you for taking the time:)..Truly appreciate it!
You love chai too? Oh that’s nice to hear!
I’m surrounded by people like you, that’s why the inspiration:) And yes, mothers are really something else!
Please do try them out…It’s a no fail recipe and I’m sure it will be a success:-)
Hugs
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It is a pleasure and a delight to read your posts which are embellished with emotion, empathy, excitement and everything else that goes into making a perfect recipe:)
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You’re very kind Sunita! And your words made my day😊 Thank you😊
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🙂 Morning DD and have a great Sunday!
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😊 Wish you a great week ahead:)
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The cup cakes look lovely, Divya! Masala chai is one Indian staple I never really got the taste for, but these look good.
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Thank you so much Mick…I do hope you get to try it on your next visit 🙂
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Divya, these are absolutely gorgeous!! I have so many memories of childhood and chai. I LOVE my chai and can’t wait to try your cupcakes. This is totally my kind of food.
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Hi Archana
That’s so nice to hear! Yes, chai is such an important part of Indian households isn’t it? 🙂
Please to try them and let me know what you think:)..Truly appreciate it:)
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Memories as beautiful as your cupcakes. 💚 This was a great read.
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Thank you so much Eartha.. Thank you for taking the time to read… Truly appreciate it 🙂
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Those sound wonderful and look delicious!
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Thank you so much! Truly appreciate your thoughts😊
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Nice!!
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Thank you Anu😊
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Looks aaaamaazing!! 🙂
I can’t wait to try it out!! 😀
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Thank you so much Yeshaswini! You’re too sweet!!Please do try it & let me know what you think😊
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These look AMAZING! xx
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Thank you so much! You’re very kind:)
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Chai tea is favorite in our household. It’s a must, especially this season. Thanks for sharing your cupcake recipe. They look awesome and so pretty. ❤ 🙂
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Oh is it? 🙂 thank you so much Anna:) you’re very kind😊
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My pleasure, Divya. Happy Friday. 🙂
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They are just beautiful! aah to be artistic with food that would be a dream for me! Im better off sticking to the paintbrushes hahaha! But you Divya! oh my goodness you have such talents! XO!
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Thank you so much Maureen! Your kind words made my day 🙂
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Good sweetheart I am glad that I did! XO!
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so pretty
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Thank you:)
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Omg looks so yummy
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Another lovely post of yours ❤️These cupcakes look delicious and so elegant! 🌺
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Thank you so much for these kind words😊
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Oooooooo, this looks so delicious 😋!! If you don’t mind, please follow my blog at https://baking781.wordpress.com/. Thanks again, it would really help!!😀😀😀
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Thank you so much! I’ll be sure to stop by 😊
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Thank you!😊
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Thanks to my travels to India, I have been hooked on masala chai! Right now, my kitchen stove is not working (well, it hasn’t been for months and I’m too lazy to get it fixed!), hence I go to the nearest Indian-Muslim restaurant opposite my apartment to have my masala chai fix. At one time, a former colleague and I used to catch up for gossip every Friday evening over chai hahaha. Masala chai is soothing especially after a long day at work or when having a flu or during rainy days. Perhaps one day I shall try your masala chai cupcakes recipe 🙂
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Glad you hear you have forged a special relationship with this warm, soothing beverage Kat:) Do try them someday & I hope you like them. And yes chai & gossip go hand in hand 😉
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Happy gleaming, shining, prosperous Diwali to you! Keep shining and smiling ✨✨✨😊
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Thank you so much Meenakshi! And sorry about the delayed response…I hope you had a wonderful Diwali:)
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Loved this post and your blog. 🙂
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Thank you so much! You’re very kind! 😊
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wowww
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Thank you so much:)
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LOOKS YUMMY :))
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Thank you & thank you for stopping by:).. Eager to explore your blog!
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You’re welcome. Yes check it out, you might like it :)) x
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Such a pretty presentation!
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Thank you so much! Appreciate your thoughts:)
Hugs
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Loving all of your posts! Hugs
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What a fantastic post
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Thank you so much for sharing this very lovely post with us, Divya! The cupcakes look fantastic and since I´m a fan of chai tea (though I dare say I´ve never really had real chai like in India) I´m definitely going to try out your recipe! Wish you a very wonderful week, my dear friend! Hugs&Kisses! Sarah 🙂
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Thank you so much Sarah! You’re very kind & generous with your compliments 😍 Please do try it & let me know😊
XO
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You´re very welcome, Divya! 🙂
The amount of my compliments only adjust to the awesomeness of your lovely blog posts, my dear friend 😉 Wishing you a beautiful sunday and an even better week ahead! Hugs&Kisses! 🙂
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Are you Serious !! Masala Chai CUPCAKES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG, I never expected anyone to invent this marvelous desert !! Thank You Deepak. I’m trying it out this weekend.
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Sorry Thank You Divya
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Oh that’s ok😍
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Thank you so much for saying that. You’re very kind😊 Do let me know how you like it:) Thanks:)
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I love Masala Chai !….and i must try your recipes..Divya
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Thank you so much Arian:) please do:)
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And let me know how you like it:)
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Thanks for sharing the delicious recipe, Divya. Hopefully I can surprise my parents with this along with a warm cup of tea! 🙂
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Thank you so much! And you’re very welcome… I truly hope your parents like it😊
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Wow so unique, something new to learn here. Yeah I too need my masala chai to start the day, the description of your mom making tea sounds familiar 🙂 . Nice share, lovely post.
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Thank you so much for these kind words:-) And thank you for reading:)
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You are a true artist, my dear! Like I always say, I wish we lived closer so I could have them all hahaa 😀 Love your description of the perfect tea time. I;m sure many can relate to what you have said 🙂 Your blog is one of my favorites!
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You’re so sweet Shamira! Wish you could see me beaming! Thank you so much for reading! And the feeling is totally mutual :-)…guess we have wordpress to thank 🙂
Much love:)
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They look so beautiful, I’ll have to think twice before grabbing one! The recipe is a unique one, will surely try this out sometime… 🙂
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Thank you so much Maniparna:) you’re very kind:)
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You are welcome. It’s a pleasure exploring your blog… 🙂
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The feeling is completely mutual! I enjoyed scrolling through your wonderful pieces! Very glad I stumbled across your writing:)
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🙂 That’s so nice of you!
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😊
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Hey!!! Finally!! It opened!! I’m so excited going to copy all recipes before it vanish again 🙂
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I’m glad to hear that!! Haha I truly hope my posts don’t vanish again:) guess they fixed it:)
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Yea I’m going to sue them if they did anything this time 🙂
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Haha:)
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And thank you so much for stopping by:) I’m so grateful:)
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Its my good luck 🙂
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You’re very kind:)🙏🏻
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I’m so curious what this tastes like… hope I could try this one 😦
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Hi, I hope you do too:) it’s a rich mix of spices & tea:)
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I can eat the entire thing in one go and not even burp. 😀
Cheers
Just Yamini
https://lifeonweekends.com/
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Thank you so much Yamini😊
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What a beautiful post, Divya, an absolute tribute to tea and nostalgia. It is this post of yours that got me into your space. The masala chai or just the humble chai is a staple in my home now and back at my parents and in-laws place so I can relate to your nostalgic memories. Yet to read your other posts but it is not difficult to guess that you have a beautiful blog. 🙂
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Thank you so much for these kind words😊
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It was my pleasure, Divya!
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Those look so pretty!! Too pretty to eat!!
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Thank you😊
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😉
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I remember, my sister surviving on cups of tea during her days of studying. I myself am not a very big fan of tea, but need to have it daily 😁
The recipe sounds interesting and looks yummy..Will definitely try it out divya. Thanks for the share.
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Your writing is so wonderful. Love the stories you write, pics you take, and the yummy dishes you bake and present them. Yeah internals/exams and tea were a pair for me during college days :). Wonderful recipe. Thanks for sharing..
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Neetha, you’re much too kind! I’m so humbled!! Very happy that you liked it and thank you for taking the time to read:)
Haha, I’m happy that you can relate to the chai and exam thing…happy to have company:)
Hugs
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