Skinny Chai Tea

This recipe is from scratch and has much less calories than the commercial brands. From Kathleen Daelemans' Getting Thin and Loving Food! I have made this using soy milk and almond milk. You may also add 1 star anise and 6 allspice berries. I have also tried using different teas, such as green and herbal. If using tea bags, try about 4. Smells as good as it tastes!

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 6-8
• Yields: 8 cups

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon fennel seed
• 1  cinnamon stick
• 6  green cardamom pods
• 12  whole cloves
• 1⁄4 inch  piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
• 6  whole black peppercorns
• 7  cups water
• 2  tablespoons  darjeeling  tea leaves
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 1  cup milk

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine all spices and water.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and steep for 10 minutes.
4. Add tea leaves (or bags) and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Strain mixture, discard spices, and return to saucepan.
7. Whisk in brown sugar and milk.
8. Serve immediately.