The cookbook introduction to this recipe states, “In India, chai is a traditional tea that blends exotic spices and black tea with boiled milk and water to create a beverage refreshing to body, mind and spirit.” Who could ask for anything more? Take a few minutes from your “holidaze” and make a fresh pot of chai. Sit down and relax while enjoying its spicy and soothing magic.
Christmastime Chai
Christmastime Treats by Sara Perry
INGREDIENTS
1 cup milk
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon cardamom seeds
1 cinnamon stick, 3 inches long, broken
1-inch piece ginger root, peeled and sliced
8 whole cloves
10 whole peppercorns
3 strips fresh tangerine peel, 1/4 inch wide, 3 inches long
1 piece vanilla bean, 1-inch long
1 tablespoon loose black tea leaves such as Darjeeling
1½ tablespoons sugar or to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the milk, water, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, peppercorns, tangerine peel, and vanilla bean.
2. Bring mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Add the tea and simmer 10 minutes longer.
4. Strain into a pitcher or teapot and stir in the sugar. Serve immediately.
Serves 2
LINNELL’S NOTES
1. Even on low heat, my covered pot of chai wanted to boil instead of simmer. I took the lid off and placed it slightly ajar to keep the temperature lower.
2. Why make your own chai instead of going out to buy it? Your kitchen will smell wonderful while the chai is cooking!
Enjoy!
