Easter isn't just about chocolate eggs and bunnies; it's also a time for baking and sharing delicious treats with loved ones. This year, why not add a spicy twist to your Easter celebrations with our Masala Chai Spiced Hot Cross Buns? Infusing the aromatic warmth of Masala Chai into this classic recipe will make these buns a new family favourite.

Ingredients:

• 200ml milk, plus extra for glazing
• 4 bags of The Organic Tea Project Masala Chai
• 10g quick yeast
• 50g raw cane sugar, plus extra for dusting
• Zest and juice of 2 oranges
• 120g sultanas or raisins
• 450g strong white flour, plus extra for crosses
• 100g cold butter
• ½ tsp ground cardamom
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 2 eggs + 1 for glaze

Preparation Time: 25 minutes (plus infusing and rising) Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Method:

1. Warm 200ml milk without boiling and steep the Masala Chai bags for an hour. Reheat to skin temperature, remove tea bags, then mix milk with yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Set aside.
2. Soak sultanas or raisins in orange zest and juice.
3. In a large bowl, combine flour and grated butter. Mix in sugar, spices, and a pinch of salt. Beat two eggs and add them to the flour with the yeast mixture, creating a soft dough.
4. Knead on a floured surface for 10 minutes. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size.
5. Knead the dough briefly, incorporate the drained sultanas or raisins, then form into 16 buns. Place on lined baking trays, cover, and let rise again.
   NOTE: Squeeze out the juice of the sultanas or your mix will get too sticky to handle. 
6. Preheat your oven. Brush buns with remaining egg-milk mixture, pipe or draw crosses with a flour paste, and bake until golden.
7. Glaze with a mix of sugar and boiling water straight out of the oven.

We hope you enjoy making and savouring these Masala Chai Spiced Hot Cross Buns as much as we do. Easter is a time for coming together, creating memories, and sharing joy, and what better way to do so than with a batch of freshly baked, spice-infused buns? Dive into this recipe and let the enchanting flavours of Masala Chai add a novel twist to your Easter celebrations.

Happy baking and Happy Easter from all of us at The Organic Tea Project. Here's to a festive season filled with warmth, love, and delicious treats.

best,

Jonas

Ever brewed tea, full of anticipation for that first delightful sip, only to be met with disappointment? Tea-making is a delicate balance between the choice of tea—be it robust Assam, delicate Darjeeling, or a hearty Breakfast blend—and the brewing method. Whether you add milk and sugar, or prefer your tea straight, mastering the basics can elevate your tea experience.

1. Water Temperature Is Crucial

The perfect tea begins with the right water temperature. Boiling water can destroy the nuanced flavours of delicate teas, resulting in a bitter taste. Black teas excel with nearly boiling water, while green and white teas best unveil their sweetest, fullest flavours at 80°C.

2. Don't Reboil Water

Oxygen-rich, freshly drawn water is essential for a lively cup of tea. Reboiled water loses oxygen, making your tea taste flat. Always use fresh water for each pot.

3. Preheat Your Teapot

A pre-heated teapot can make all the difference, especially for a robust breakfast tea. Classic Chinese iron teapots, which retain heat well, are perfect for achieving a strong brew at the ideal serving temperature.

4. Filtered Water Makes a Difference

The taste of chlorine in tap water can overshadow the subtle flavours of tea, especially in cafes where the focus is on coffee. Filtered water can significantly enhance your tea's taste.

5. Brewing Time Is Key

Brewing time significantly affects the tea's flavour. Over-brewing releases too many tannins, leading to bitterness, while under-brewing results in a weak tea. For a strong breakfast tea, five minutes of brewing is optimal.

6. Proper Storage

The way you store tea is crucial for maintaining its freshness and complexity. Store your tea in a cool, dry, dark place. Our black glass tea caddies not only block out light but also seal out moisture, preserving your tea's quality.

7. Choose Quality Tea

The difference between high-quality, whole leaf teas and lower-grade "dust" teas is stark. The depth of flavour and aroma in whole leaf teas that come in pyramid tea bags or loose provides a superior and more complex experience.

By honing these seven steps, you'll elevate your tea-making from ordinary to extraordinary. Making tea is not just about the preparation; it's about pouring love and care into each pot. Enhance your next tea break with the perfect brew.