Chai Tea

This recipe is from taste of home and I believe I made it over 10 times last holiday season for guests & gatherings - everywhere I went it was a huge hit! I would cook it over the stove and then put it in a crock pot set on warm to keep it warm (Just remember to stir it often). I recommend using decaf tea bags if you are serving this to guests since not everyone does well with caffeine. This is so easy and sure to please!! Update: If you venture from the directions of this recipe, it will not turn out correctly, I have never had this taste of strong tea that a reviewer described, the cardamon is the main flavor of this and when used correctly makes this recipe absolutely delicious. Please don't judge this recipe after one bad review who did not follow the exact ingredients and directions completely as described. I don't recommend putting in two cinnamon sticks, I have found leaving one in for a longer period of time produces a very strong cinnamon taste, that does not compliment the authentic chia taste that this recipe produces. Please try this and enjoy it, it truly is amazing!

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 2
• Yields: 2 large glasses

Ingredients

• 2  cups water
• 2  individual tea bags
• 1  cinnamon stick
• 6  cardamom seeds, crushed or 1  teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1  whole clove (I actually put in about 5)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 1⁄2 cups milk
• 1⁄3 cup sugar
•  sweetened whipped cream, ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks (optional)

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the first six ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Stir in milk. Return to a boil; boil for 1 minute, then strain. Stir in sugar until dissolved. Pour into mugs. Top each with whipped cream, cinnamon and a cinnamon stick if desired.