Spiced Chai Tea
Mixing your own tea blends at home is fairly easy. A trip to the local Health Food store was a must because it's where I buy all of my bagged spices. I know that they are always fresh and usually a better bargain than a typical grocery store. This recipe did involve getting quite a few new spices in the cabinet and about a $50 investment but now I have the ingredients to make a fairly large batch which is also great for gifts.
Giving something homemade is always something I try to do. It means more for me to make it, and hopefully more to receive it. The Process involved in making this tea is great because the the spices smell so great while they are toasting in the oven too.
You will Need:
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 tablespoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
1 4-inch cinnamon stick
12 Cardamon Pods
3 tablespoons chopped candied ginger
1/2 cup loose black tea (I used an English Breakfast)
Cloth reusable tea bags (optional)
Heat Oven to 350. Cut the Cardamon Pods in half with a knife and place into a cast iron pan. Add the peppercorns, fennel, corriander, cloves, and cinnamon. Place into the oven and toast for about 8 minutes. You will smell the spices when they are ready. Remove from the oven and cool.
Crush with a mortar and pestle until small and broken up.
Toss with the Black tea and ginger.
To Serve (1 Large serving):
Bring 1 Cup water to a boil. Place 1 TBSP Chai Tea mix into a tea bag. Let steep for 5 minutes.
Add 1/2 Cup Nut Milk and heat until hot.
Remove tea bag (You can turn these inside out and rinse them to use again).
