Sweet & Spicy Chai Tea

Total Time: 45 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 12
• 1 star anise
• 1/2 whole nutmeg
• 3 cinnamon sticks, broken
• 4 teaspoons whole coriander seeds
• 6 green cardamom pods
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorn
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon allspice berry
• 1/2 orange, zest of
• 1 vanilla bean
• 1 inch fresh ginger
• 3 quarts water
• 8 (8 ounce) bags darjeeling tea
• 1 cup honey (to taste)

Recipe

• 1 stirring constantly, lightly toast the anise, nutmeg, cinnamon, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cloves, and allspice in a skillet over medium high heat. take extra care not to burn the spices. you just want them to become fragrant.
• 2 let the spices cool slightly and coarsely grind in a spice mill.
• 3 split the vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds. reserve the seeds for another use (oh! like maybe some vanilla rice pudding!).
• 4 peel the ginger and cut into thin slices.
• 5 bring the water to a boil. add the ground spices, orange zest, vanilla bean, and ginger. reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
• 6 add the tea bags and steep for 5 minutes.
• 7 remove the tea bags and strain the liquid. while still warm, add the honey and stir well to dissolve.
• 8 suggested serving is 2 parts chai to 1 part milk, water, or your favorite milk alternative. serve hot or cold. the chai liquid can be stored in the refrigerator and used at your leisure.
• 9 makes approximately 12 12-ounce servings of tea.