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Recipe: Chai tea mix

December 15, 2010 at 10:16PM

CHAI TEA MIX

Makes 12-16 tea bags.

• 12 green cardamom pods

• 1/2 tsp. whole red peppercorns, optional

• 1/2 tsp. whole black peppercorns

• 1 tbsp. fennel seeds

• 1/2 tsp. coriander seeds

• 1/2 tsp. whole cloves

• 1 (4-in.) cinnamon stick

• 3 tbsp. chopped candied ginger

• 1/2 c. loose black tea

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

With a sharp knife, split the cardamom pods in half. Place in a pie tin along with the peppercorns, fennel seeds, coriander, cloves and cinnamon. Toast in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the spices are fragrant. Remove and cool.

Crush spices lightly with a rolling pin or in a mortar and pestle. You may have to crumble the cinnamon stick with your hands.

In a bowl, toss the spices, candied ginger and tea together until blended.

Spoon into your container of choice (mason jar, cellophane or parchment or waxed paper bags, vintage tea tin, etc.).

When wrapping this as a gift, include fillable tea bags and brewing instructions. Or you can fill each tea bag with approximately 1 tablespoon of the chai mix and tie it loosely to close. (But that's a lot of work if you're making several batches!)

BREWING INSTRUCTIONS

Serves 1.

• 1 c. water

• 1 tbsp. Chai Mix (placed into a tea bag)

• 1/2 c. milk

• Sugar or honey to taste

Directions

Bring 1 cup water to a boil and add the tea bag. Turn off the heat and let steep for about 5 minutes.

Add the milk, turn on the heat and reheat until hot. Remove from heat, discard tea bag, sweeten to taste with sugar or honey.