Chai (Tea)

Enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors of this recipe adapted from the chai that we serve during our retreats on the land. Full-bodied and rich in antioxidants, taste why so many practitioners love this recipe. It is a favorite yogi breakfast drink, especially on cool, foggy mornings.

INGREDIENTS:

2 cinnamon sticks
2 whole star anise
2 tsp. whole cloves
1 tsp. whole black pepper corns
2 Tbl. whole cardamon pods
4 freshly sliced ginger coins
4 cups water
2 cups milk or milk alternative: soy, hemp, rice or almond milk.  If you use a milk alternative and it is sweetened, adjust your amount of sweetener at the end.
1/4 cup loose black tea
1/4 cup brown sugar, or sweetener of your choice (feel free to use less)

1) Place the first 6 ingredients and 4 cups of cold water in a pot or sauce pan.

2) Bring to a boil.

3) Reduce to a simmer for 20-40 minutes.

4) Remove from heat and add loose black tea.

5) Let sit for 4-5 minutes.  NOTE: IF YOU LEAVE THE TEA IN TOO LONG IT WILL GET BITTER

6) Warm milk or milk alternative in a separate pot

7) Strain water and spices into a bowl.

8) Add milk or milk alternative to strained spice water.

9) Whisk in sweetener and adjust to desired sweetness.

10) Enjoy!

Serves 4

Reprinted with permission from The Taste of Dharma, www.thetasteofdharma.com