@wedwardes on #Wine #Curry and more: Masala Wine - A Vinous Chai

Sunday, 15 January 2012

Masala Wine - A Vinous Chai - 1

So here's a note on Masala Wine. No not the very lovely Marsala Wine from Western Sicily near Palermo, but Masala Wine - from me.

I have just invented it and no mention of it on Google until now.

Well Masala Wine is inspired by three things:

The first is Mulled Wine popular at this time of year [It has suddenly turned cold in London]

Secondly, a nice warming cup of Masala Chai also known as Mixed Spiced India Tea or just Chai Tea which actually is a bit of a tautology as Chai is Hindi for Tea.

And I have recently watched a new version of Ben Hur on television and that chariot race between Ben Hur and Masala. or was it Messala? It doesn't matter. I remember seeing Ben Hur in school in India in the 1960's and every time Messala came on we all shouted "Garam Masala".

So Masala Wine it is.

OK looking through my larder I found some Cinnamon, Cloves, Vanilla and Cardamoms. That combination sounds about right to me.

And I have some open sweet Moscatel handy. It is very nice indeed as it is but I'll just try just a glass made into the soon to be world-famous Masala Wine.

OK here goes for Masala Wine

Add the spices, Cinnamon, Cloves, Vanilla and Cardamoms, to a large porridge bowl and add a glass of sweet Moscatel wine available from me at Sticky Wines.

Cover with cling film and Microwave on Medium heat for 4 minutes.

Strain into a large round bowl glass

First breathe in the superb aromas. What an incredible blend of them.

Then sip slowly.

Gosh. Really delicious. A touch of Chai Tea with the Moscatel really opening up.

It will take the winter away and you are whisked off to the beaches of Goa.

That's my Masala Wine.

Oh keep the spice mix for next time.