Sometimes I buy things without even thinking that I could make them myself or without even realizing that I have all the ingredients right at home!

That's what happened when I opened my pantry and looked for what I could learn how to make this year.

Chai was on the list.

I've spent a fair amount of money ordering oat chai lattes at a number of coffee shops and thought that I'd try to make them at home from time to time since I live with the world's best barista.

First, I bought chai concentrate from a local maker but ultimately looked for a sugar free alternative.

Then I purchased chai spice mix from another small brand and studied the ingredients list.

And finally I found the Minimalist Baker's caffeine-free recipe and that sealed the deal!

Six ingredients, five minutes, I never thought it could be that easy!

I did regret only having cardamom pods instead of powder and spent way too much time grating some of the ingredients by hand. A spice grinder is now on my wishlist but I'll wait until the right second-hand option pops up (also I've been on a shopping ban since January 1st and plan on keeping it going for as long as I can).

But that need not happen to you, get the powdered ingredients if you can, or don't if you're better equipped than I am!

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What's something that you used to buy ready-made and that you've recently learned how to make?