Chai Tea

:)Deborah's Note:

A rich and flavourful tea. Bringing the liquid to a boil twice after the milk has been added seems to make it a richer chai tea.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 8 cardamom pods
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger , peeled and grated
• 1 cinnamon stick , 2 inches long
• 8 whole cloves
• 6 whole black peppercorns
• 4 cups cold water
• 5 tea bags
• 1 cup milk
• 1 -2 tablespoon honey or 1 -2 tablespoon sugar

Directions:

1. Crush the cardamom pods with the side of a knife and place in a saucepan along with the ginger, cinnamon, cloves and peppercorns. Add water and set aside for 30 minutes.
2. Bring to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and add tea bags and let steep for 10 minutes.
3. Strain, pressing spices and tea bags with a spoon to remove the rich liquid. Return liquid to pot, add milk and bring to a boil. Immediately remove from heat.
4. Add honey or sugar to taste and than return to boil twice more, allowing a minute of cooling between each boil.
5. Serve hot in tea mugs or cups that have been warmed. Makes 6 cups.

Reviews

[QueenBee49444]

There is no comparison between this cup of Chai Tea and the Chai I buy at the coffee shop - this one is so much better. I agree is was extra work but worth it. I found the combination of spices delicious. Made for PAC, Spring 2008

[Annacia]

I think this might be the best Chai I have ever had. I used 2% milk and replaced the sugar with Splenda and the tea was Earl Gray Vanilla. It was perfect on this cool and gray Fall morning. The only reason that I didn't give this 5 stars is because of the time it takes. I'm spoiled and like to have tea pretty much when I want it. I didn't mind all that much on this Sunday morning (but I had a cup of the Earl Gray while waiting). The spice in this is full, rich and potent but it comes together in a very happy marriage.