On occasion, my best friend in the world stops by the clinic and brings me a chai tea. It is the most delicious beverage ever. Especially when it's unexpected and delivered to you at work. I love her so much. I asked her what kind of chai it was (as I am very particular about my chai) and she told me it's David Rio's Elephant Vanilla Chai made with soy milk. I knew I had to get my hands on some of this chai tea powder. I went onto the David Rio site to learn about this most delicious chai, because that's just the kind of person I am. Must. Research. Everything. Based out of San Francisco, all David Rio chai is GMO-free and kosher, and their Tiger Spice Chai is organic. As part of their mission, they work with animal welfare organisations such as the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and several others. I thought, of course, that is was absolutely fabulous. I read somewhere that every dollar you spend, you are casting a vote for the kind of world you want to live in...or something like that. It's hard to find companies that have integrity and do genuinely take an interest in animal welfare and rights.

All their chai mixes are called "dairy-free". They use a non-dairy creamer as a milk substitute in the powder mixes. However, the non-dairy creamer does contain sodium caseinate, which is a milk derivative. But, it is technically considered a non-dairy product. Yet, I personally, couldn't feel good about drinking something with sodium caseinate. And Todd, of course, cannot have any milk whatsoever because it's a big trigger for his rheumatoid arthritis.

Saddened, I knew I couldn't justify purchasing any of the chia mixes, even with all the great work they do for animal welfare charities! While perusing their website I saw that they have one variety of chai that is completely dairy-free, their Power Chai! I was so excited, I cannot even tell you. Behold, the David Rio Power Chai.

The Power Chai is absolutely lovely. It's a delicious blend of black tea and Japanese Matcha, a ceremonial green tea powder. Rich and frothy, this chai is bold, lively and sure to put a smile on your face. You know how sometimes when something is so good, it makes you do a little dance? No? That's just me, huh. Well, it makes me do a little dance. Todd knows what I'm talking about.

There is only one place in Alaska that carries David Rio tins for purchase, but they do not carry the Power Chai. I plan to ask our local grocery store to carry it! Please check out their site here to see all their wonderful products and the good they extend toward animal welfare! Amazon.com also carries David Rio, but again, the Power Chai is only available with an outrageous shipping cost. Perhaps because it's new? Maybe in the coming year, it too will be available!

Move over Oregon Chai. This is my new favorite chai. My take on the basic David Rio Power Chai tea latte is made with creamy, silky coconut milk with a little splash of sweet vanilla and a pinch of cayenne for a little spicy bite.

Invigorating Power Chai Latte

Makes 1 large mug

1 1/2 cups cartoned coconut milk (I use Silk Vanilla)
3 Tbsp. David Rio Power Chai mix
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
pinch of cayenne pepper

Heat the coconut milk milk in the microwave or over low heat on the stove.

Whisk in the chai mix, vanilla and cayenne pepper.

Serve hot and frothy!

Todd and I sipped this chai while wrapping presents. Check out this sweet wrap job. The paper is actually part of the packaging from the box that David Rio sent me. I'm not making that up. Yes, I use packing paper for all my gifts. Don't judge. It's awesome, economical and environmentally friendly. I asked Todd for a hippy high five when I told him this. He did not disappoint. Crazy hippies for the win!

Do you like Todd's snowflake? I told him it was a bit Southwestern, I don't think it was on purpose...but we had a good chuckle about it. OMG, we are lame. Also, as of right now, that greenery you see is our Christmas tree. Waaahhhh!