Chai Masala

Chai Masala

This recipe comes from my dear friend Stephanie O'Hearn, with whom I've shared many a cup 'o tea at her wonderful Sunshine Canyon home outside of Boulder

Ingredients
4 cups water
12 green cardamom pods
4 whole cloves
1 small cinnamon stick
4 black peppercorns
1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
1/2 stick vanilla (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
4 teaspoons black tea
4 teaspoons honey
4 cups milk (I like almond)
ginger slices, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
In a saucepan, combine water, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, peppercorns, ginger, and vanilla. Bring liquid to boil. Reduce heat & simmer for 5-10 minutes. Add tea and simmer for a minute. Add milk and honey. Bring back to simmer and cook for another minute. Strain into cups.  If desired, garnish with ginger slices.