Warm Spiced Chai

Name: Warm Spiced Chai
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 servings.
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.

Originally published as Chai Recipe in Breakfast & Brunch 2015 Bookazine