Win your own Le Creuset saucepan - details at the end of the post!

Well what a traumatic week it's been! While the country dissolves into chaos, we've started a "Probably This Survival Guide" which includes only donuts and gin. It needs some work, OK. In all seriousness, though, this 2016 election has been a pretty crazy experience, but we're keeping true to our mission here: as small a thing as this may seem, we will never stop working to create our queer little inclusive corner of the internet where you can be whoever you want to be.

Ok, that's all the mushy stuff today. Let's talk about something happy and comforting.

You may remember that over the summer we had a little road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles, which we would actually highly recommend doing if you have like three weeks on your hands and LOVE the 'Kangaroo' gas station chain's *huge* assortment of diet soda. Anyhow, on the way back from Los Angeles, when we were traversing through mountains in pitch black darkness during a desert rain storm in what was truly a new low for us, we came upon the bizarre and amazing little city of Sedona, Arizona.

Sedona is basically what we'd imagine can only result from a hippie commune suddenly receiving funding from angel investors who have a thing for raw vegan cuisine, hiking, meditation rooms, but also five star hotels - all set in the middle of Arizona. It's actually quite incredible.

Anyhow, one of our favorite spots in this city is The ChocolaTree, mostly because of the $12 vegan appetizer platter but also because of the backyard garden full of hammocks you can melt into while eating said vegan appetizer platter. It's pretty great. Anyhow, this was where we were introduced to the spicy, earthy, creamy magic of turmeric tea. Turmeric has a whole impressive list of health benefits, including being anti-inflammatory and acting as a natural anti-depressant. Sounds great. It is!

We've made our own version of it to help us get through the week. It's got chai spices, turmeric, a little sweetness from honey, and almond milk to make it creamy. Try it out, feel the warmth and smell of your home turning into a spicy chai wonderland, relax into your couch, and enjoy.

Now, about that Le Creuset giveaway!

We've been working with a cool startup Twined.com to provide recommendations for our favorite kitchen and bar gear. Twined has a community of knowledgeable food people and other experts that dish about their favorite gear and gifts so you can easily find great recommendations when you're shopping. With holiday season here they're letting us give away a Le Creuset saucepan (like we used in this recipe) to one of our readers! You can enter to win here and see a few of our other favorite products as well. We'll be doing one giveaway per week with them through December so be sure to check in soon or sign up for our weekly newsletter for updates!

Soothing Turmeric & Chai Tea

makes 2

1 tablespoon loose black tea
2 sticks cinnamon
1" nub ginger, sliced into thin rounds
1/2 tablespoon cardamom pods
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup almond milk
4 cups water

Combine water and all other ingredients except for the honey and almond milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a low rolling boil and let boil for 15 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally.
Reduce to low heat, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes.
Whisk in honey and almond milk and strain the tea into a kettle for serving or directly into your serving mugs, removing all solids. Enjoy!

Don't Forget to Enter Our Le Creuset Giveaway!

Soothing & Spicy Turmeric Chai Tea

Don't Forget to Enter Our Le Creuset Giveaway!