chai

When our best friend was here, there was lots of food and conversation.  There was also just the tiniest bit of tea.  I am actually being facetious.  We drank lots of tea.  There was a request for chai which makes the laughter a little bit brighter.  

I have been making chai for a long time.  I will write down my basic recipe here but every pot changes.  My Beloved likes the pot that is very spicey.  Sometimes I like more vanilla.  This can be customized for evey mood.

Chai

Note:  I do substitute ground spices when there is nothing else in the cupboard

1 pint water

a piece of ginger the size of your gingertip, peeled and minced or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground ginger

7 peppercons (medium grind makes it spicier and usually what I use)

1 cinnamon stick  or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

5 cloves

1 teaspoon or so of dried orange peel

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon black tea

milk

sugar

In a large pot, put the water.  Add the ginger, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, orange, and vanilla.  Bring to a boil.  Simmer for ten minutes.  Add the black tea.  I like to use a tea ball.  Let steep for four minutes.  

Strain into cups and add milk and sugar to taste.

Enjoy!  We never seem to get enough of this but do not make it often.  It is always better then out because we make it to our taste.

Comments

[Amy]

Making it again tonight!!