Masala Chai

Ingredients:
·       2 cups water
·       ¾ cup milk
·       1/3 teaspoon cinnamon
·       1 slice fresh ginger (in a pinch use about 1/3 teaspoon ground ginger)
·       3 cloves 
·       1/3 teaspoon fennel seeds
·       5 green cardamom seeds
·       3 seeds black pepper
·       2 teaspoons black tea (or 2 teabags opened)

• Note:   If you prefer a more standard Masala Chai, add a 3^rd teaspoon of black tea and don’t add the green tea

·       1 teaspoon green mint tea (or 1 teabag opened – (Trader Joe’s makes a really good one)
·       2 teaspoon sugar (or more if you like)

• Note:  If you are making this at night and can’t have the caffeine, substitute herbal chamomile tea for the black tea and herbal mint tea for the green mint tea.  Consider substituting honey for the sugar.  It is still delicious

Preparation:

Bring water to a boil in a saucepan.  While waiting for water to boil:

•  Cut ginger slice in half  
•  Crush cloves, and black pepper with side of knife
•  Crush cardamom with side of knife.  If needed, cut it in half first. 

When water boils add milk and lower heat.

Add ginger

Bring mixture to a simmer and add remaining ingredients except the sugar. Stir well.

Let it simmer for about 1 minute. Then bring it to a full boil letting it rise to top of pot.

Bring it back to a simmer for a about 2 minutes. Add the sugar. Stir well to ensure sugar is dissolved.

Bring it to a full boil again until the mild rises to the top of pot.

Bring it back to a simmer.

Pour it into a teapot and steep for about 4 minutes.

Strain and pour.