Chai Tea
6 whole cloves
1 8″ cinnamon stick or 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
6 cardamom seeds
4 whole allspice or 1/4 tsp. ground allspice
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
4 whole black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
4 rounded tsp. loose Darjeeling tea (or other black tea)
6 cups water
2 cups milk
3 tbsp. honey
Mix together all dry ingredients and store tightly sealed.
To make a pot of Chai tea:
Mix the Chai Tea mix in a medium saucepan with the 6 cups of water and bring to a boil. Allow the mixture to boil for 5 minutes. Add the 2 cups of milk and bring to a gentle simmer, do not boil. Allow the mixture to simmer until it reaches the desired strength, even over an hour. Add honey and stir to dissolve. Strain tea and serve immediately. Yield: 6 servings.