Learn to make your own chai at Sugar Beet Co-op

We’re in for a chilly week in Chicago, one filled with that biting, damp weather that demands hot beverages. And although winter is winding down, early spring here comes with lots of that same bone-chilling weather.

That’s why this workshop on Sunday (Feb. 14) at the Sugar Beet Co-op in Oak Park comes at the perfect time. You’ll have a chance to learn about spices and how to create a good blend for chai. (For those wondering, chai — rhymes with pie — basically is a spiced milk tea. Very tasty.) After learning what spices work well in chai, you’ll get lessons in toasting and grinding spices as well as how to use them in chai and other recipes.

The 90-minute workshop will begin at 2 p.m. and will be led by Chef Ronak Patel, who did a similar one in the fall. It was so popular Sugar Beet decided another one was in order.

While Chef Ronak, who is a private chef, is leading the discussion, sip on samples of chai (there will be dairy-free options available too, BTW). You’ll also have a chance to make your own chai blend from spices in Sugar Beet’s bulk department.

Since the workshop’s being held on Valentine’s Day, you could learn how to make your own blend there and then come home and make a cup for your sweetie. That’d be a well-appreciated V-Day treat.

The workshop’s free (although Sugar Beet wouldn’t say no to $5 to offset the cost of the workshop), but you must RSVP via email to the Co-op’s Allison Brown (education@sugarbeet.coop). Space is limited, and the remember, the workshop is back by popular demand, so I wouldn’t dally if you want to attend.

FILE PHOTO: Scripps Howard News Service