Chai Tea

Yield: 2-3 servings

Ingredients:
3 cardamom pods, lightly cracked open with the back of a spoon
6 whole cloves
1/2 cinnamon stick
1/4" slice of fresh ginger
5 black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
1 Tbsp loose black tea leaves
3 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup half and half
1-2 Tbsp light brown sugar

Method:

1. Place the cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, ginger, peppercorns and bay leaf in a medium size saucepan. Add the water and bring to a boil. Allow this to boil for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and steep for 10 minutes.
2. Add the tea leaves and return to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer on medium for 5 minutes. Add the half and half and the sugar. Stir for about a minute, over low heat, until steaming. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a teapot or mugs.