A few years ago, I started to notice that my friends suddenly started using the word chai for tea, and not because they had recently taken a trip to India or Russia. By now, we are all familiar with Starbucks’s chai lattes. But wouldn’t it be nice to make homemade, ginger-steeped chai in your own kitchen once in a while? This is a gorgeous way to finish a meal, and it’s lovely to have a pot of it simmering on your kitchen stove for teatime. Make sure to buy a good variety of black tea, like Assam or Darjeeling. If you happen to be in an Indian grocery, ask them for a Brook Bond or Red Label. Here’s how I do it in Tangy Tart Hot & Sweet:

Homemade Masala Chai
 
Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon finely diced freshginger
• 1Ž4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1Ž4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3 teaspoons loose Darjeeling tea or other strong black tea
• 3 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons honey

 
Instructions

In a saucepan, bring the ginger, cardamom, and cloves to a boil with 4 cups of water. Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the tea, sugar, milk, and honey. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes while stirring to dissolve the sugar. Strain the tea into cups and serve hot. Serves 4.
 
How do you like to spice up your coffee or tea? Share your ideas in the comments below.

Photo Credit: Journey Kitchen