Julie’s Chai

Good Morning!

It’s a lovely cup of Chai, isn’t it?

This is how my day begins, sans the clove and cardamom garnish (I only did that for the picture). I gave up coffee five years ago, and now I can’t go without the Chai. Every time I walk into a Starbucks, all I can think is…halitosis!

I make the Chai myself (from scratch), crawl back into bed, and read for at least a half an hour every day. If this morning routine is altered in any way, I’m just not right in the head for the rest of the day. What can I say? It began as a guilty pleasure, and it has become a necessity. These things tend to happen. Go ahead, say it won’t happen to you.

Here’s the recipe:

¼ Cup Black Indian Tea

1 Heaping Teaspoon Whole Cloves

½ Teaspoon Ground Ginger

½ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Note: I premix the Ginger and Cinnamon

12-15 Cardamom Pods, broken open

3 Tablespoons Bulk Raw Sugar

In a saucepan mix all ingredients with four cups of water and bring to a boil, add 2 cups of milk and bring to another boil. The milk will boil over as soon as you look away, so WATCH OUT! Also, you’re going to want to strain it as you pour it into your mug, otherwise you will have cloves in your teeth.

(or)

I throw all the ingredients into my coffee pot, brew the water through, and let it steep. Put milk in a mug, heat it in the microwave, and strain the Chai over the milk.

Cheers!