Boba

I dream of being able to run downstairs to buy some boba milk tea or hot honey green tea like I used to be able to in Berkeley. I keep saying that I'd be REALLY happy if they would just knock out the pet grooming store below my apartment and open up a Chinese bakery/boba tea shop (with free wi-fi)... I'd be fat, but it'd be amazing.

Until that fateful day, perhaps I can learn to make my own boba!

Recipes from The Kitchn.

Note: Apparently you can just buy prepared, packaged boba and make it to the package directions, then soak it in a simple syrup until you serve it.

Milk Tea
Ingredients
2 cups boiling water
1 teabag of strong English black tea or Earl Grey tea
Sweetener of your choice, to your taste
Milk, cream or condensed milk
Prepared boba

Directions
Prepare the tea just as you would make a cup of hot tea; steep the tea bag until very strong, and add the sweetener of your choice if desired. Add the milk, cream, or condensed milk in amounts to your taste. Add the boba to a tall glass and slowly pour the hot tea on top. Serve with a boba straw or spoon. Can be served hot or cold. If you want this cold, make the milk tea ahead and refrigerate, or add ice.

Green Milk Tea
Ingredients
2 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon powdered green tea ("matcha")
Sweetener of your choice, to your taste
Milk, cream or condensed milk
Prepared boba

Directions
Whisk the powdered green tea in the boiling water until smooth, and add the sweetener of your choice if desired. Add the milk, cream, or condensed milk in amounts to your taste. Add the boba to a tall glass and slowly pour the hot tea on top. Serve with a boba straw or spoon. Can be served hot or cold. If you want this cold, make the green tea milk ahead and refrigerate before adding to the boba, or add ice.

Lavender Hot Chocolate

Ever since I tried the Hot White Chocolate with Lavender at Lulu Rae's Confections in Oakland, I've been hoping to get the chance to return and try it again. My friend Jayson and I drank it one cold night, near the holidays and it completely lit up my day. This recipe, from a la mode, consists of dark chocolate instead of white, but I hope it's as delicious! I can't wait to try it soon.

For a creamier hot chocolate, a 1 to 1 ratio of dark to milk chocolate can be used. Makes 2 servings.

Ingredients
2 cups whole milk
3 ounces dark chocolate (70% cacao)
1 ounce milk chocolate
1/4 teaspoon lavender buds

Directions
Heat milk and lavender over medium heat, whisking occasionally until the milk begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let lavender steep for 5 minutes. Strain lavender and return milk to saucepan. Over medium heat, add chocolate and mix until chocolate is melted and incorporated. Whisk milk mixture for 10-20 seconds until frothy. Pour into mugs or bowls and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.