Charleston Tea Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8-inch square baking dish.
• Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Turn off the heat and let cool slightly, then add the brown sugar, almond and vanilla extract and stir until smooth. Stir in the egg.
• Whisk together the flour and baking powder in a small bowl, then fold the mixture into the brown sugar mixture. Fold in the pecans. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake until set around the edges but still loose in the center, about 20 minutes. Let cool completely, then sift confectioners' sugar on top. Cut into 16 squares.

Steps:

• Make the refried black-eyed peas: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute 30 seconds. Add the black-eyed peas, vegetable stock, chili powder and cumin. Mash the mixture with a potato masher. Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.
• Make the guacamole: Peel, pit and mash the avocados in a medium bowl. Add the lime juice, onion, cilantro, hot sauce, salt and garlic. Mash to desired consistency.
• To finish: Layer the refried black-eyed peas in eight 6-ounce jars, followed by the guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, green onions, tomatoes and olives. Serve with the tortilla strip chips.

Steps:

• Combine first 5 ingredients in medium saucepan. Using mallet or back of large spoon, lightly crush or bruise spices. Add 6 cups water; bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover pan, and simmer gently 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add tea bags and steep 5 minutes. Discard tea bags. Add milk and sugar. Bring tea just to simmer over high heat, whisking until sugar dissolves. Strain chai into teapot and serve hot.