Cozy Chai

My neighbors have two cats. Their names are Chai and Maté. They are indoor/outdoor cats who hang all day outside, then around 7:30 in the evening, my neighbor gently calls for them out the backdoor. It’s a smart move, because the raccoons in our neighborhood are no joke. Well, every time I hear them being called, I think …”mmmm, chai.” I love chai and so does my daughter. We especially love it to perk us up mid-morning and give our hands a warm-up when the chill has set it. Boy, has the chill set in lately! Here, I share my favorite easy recipe, but feel free to add whatever kind of milk you like, and whatever sweetener you prefer,.. if you feel like it.

Ingredients

Serves 2

• 3 cups of water

• 3/4 T chopped ginger

• 8 cardamom pods lightly smashed

• 1/2 inch piece of cinnamon

• 1 clove

• 1 star anise

• 1 cup milk of choice (I like almond in this)

• 2 teaspoons black tea or 2 tea bags

• sweetener to taste (I like a touch of honey)

  1. In a medium pot, simmer spices with the water for 5 minutes.

  2. Add the milk and simmer for another 3 minutes.

  3. Add the tea and simmer for 5 minutes.

  4. Strain and serve!

  5. *Optional* Sweeten if you like.