Warm Spiced Chai

Name: Warm Spiced Chai
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Cuisine: Indian Recipes, Italian Recipes
Ingredients: 6 cardamom pods; 1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns; 5 cups water; 1/4 cup honey; 2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches); 8 whole cloves; 3 whole star anise; 1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot; 5 black tea bags; 2 cups whole milk; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; Ground nutmeg, optional

My wife loves chai, but I have never been satisfied with any of the store-bought mixes, so I created my own. —Justin Weber, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Ingredients

6 cardamom pods
1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns
5 cups water
1/4 cup honey
2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)
8 whole cloves
3 whole star anise
1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot
5 black tea bags
2 cups whole milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Ground nutmeg, optional

Directions

In a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle, combine cardamom pods and peppercorns; grind until aromas are released.
In a large saucepan, bring water to boil. Add cardamom mixture, honey, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise and ginger; simmer 5 minutes or according to taste. Remove from heat. Add tea bags; cover and steep 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat milk. Strain tea, discarding spices and tea bags. Stir in hot milk and vanilla. Pour into mugs. If desired, sprinkle with nutmeg.