Chai

Serves 6

Lightly crush spices. Combine them with 6 cups of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to medium-low, partially cover pan and simmer 10 minutes.

• 2 inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced thin
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 tsp. black peppercorns
• 10 whole cloves
• 6 cardamon pods

Remove from heat. Add tea and steep 5 minutes. Discard tea bags. Add milk and sugar. Bring tea just to a simmer, whisking until sugar dissolves. Strain chai into teapot and serve hot.

• 6 bags of black tea, preferably Darjeeling
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Tea may be made in bulk and stored in refrigerator to be reheated later.

from Lyn Day, originally from Bon Apetit