MASALA CHAI

1-1/2 cups water
1 inch stick of cinnamon
8 cardomom pods
8 whole cloves
2/3 cup milk
6 tsp. sugar (or to taste)
3 teaspoons any unperfumed loose black tea

Put 1-1/2 cups water in saucepan. Add the cinnamon, cardomom, and cloves and bring to a boil. Cover, turn heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the milk and sugar and bring to a simmer again. Throw in the tea leaves, cover, and turn off the heat. After 2 minutes, strain the tea into two cups and serve immediately.

—When I’m in a hurry (Most of the time) I use a mix from my local Starbuck’s. This is the process that leaves my coffee pot with an Indian accent. It’s not nearly as good as “Real” Chai tea, but sometimes….late at night….when I’m dying for a Chai tea and have no intention of making the above recipe and going to Beyond the Brim or Starbuck’s is out of the question – I’ll do the instant.

Frankly, the best Chai in the world (IMO) is found at the Owensboro coffee house Beyond the Brim. Their’s is so much better than the rest, I’m convinced they have little Indian fairies behind the counter waving wands and throwing a little magic into each cup.

Okay, worked myself up – I’ve got to go get some today! – Joi