How To: Make spiced chai

A sweet and spicy milk-based tea from India, chai is a tasty alternative to coffee.
You Will Need
* 7 c. Water
* 2 green cardamom pods
* 1 small piece fresh ginger root
* 2 cloves
* A cinnamon stick
* 2 bay leaves
* 2 tbsp. Loose leaf black tea (such as Darjeeling)
* 1 c. Whole milk
* 6 tbsp. Brown sugar
* A wooden spoon
* A large tea strainer
* And a carafe or large bowl
* Black peppercorns
* And star anise

Step 1
Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan, then add the cardamom, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes.

Experiment with other spices, such as black peppercorns and star anise, to discover the flavor you prefer.

Step 2
Add the tablespoons of black tea to the water. Increase the heat. Once the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for five to eight minutes.

Your spiced chai will be stronger if you leave the black tea and spices in the pan for longer than eight minutes.

Step 3
Stir the whole milk and brown sugar into the tea. Increase the heat to medium and cook for five minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.

Step 4
Pour the hot tea mixture through a strainer over a hot carafe or bowl to prepare the tea for serving.

Leave the tea mixture in the refrigerator for an iced version of spiced chai.

Step 5
Carefully pour the strained tea into individual cups or mugs for serving. Drink up!

Fact: In India and Pakistan, spiced chai is called "masala chai" or "masala tea" because "masala" means spices.