The past few weeks have been busy and things are only going to get worse. At work, I’m training someone and also learning a new job. At home, the holidays are coming up. Things have been stressful and this weekend I was ready to sit back and enjoy some much-needed time off… …and WHAT ELSE could say hello to a Sunday better than a nice warm cup of homemade chai?

3 bags of black tea 

1 cinnamon stick 

Fresh nutmeg (a couple runs down the microplane)

1 tsp. black peppercorns, slightly cracked (I used a mortal and pestle)

5 whole cloves

1 piece of ginger, about the size of your thumb, peeled

1 heaping tbs. cardamom (powder)

2 tbs. sugar 

2 cups of water

2 cups of milk (I used whole because… well, why not)

honey, to taste 

In a large pot, mix all dry ingredients (including teabags and sugar) with the water. Bring to a boil, and add milk. 

Stir, and let simmer on medium for 5 minutes. Strain liquid once, then strain again but with a coffee filter. 

Liquid could take a bit to strain, but give it time. Put your chai back in the pan and let it sit on low until your ready to drink it. 

Hi, chai: So delicious! and easy! Here’s the reason why you have to strain twice: 

All that spice is gritty and gross. For my second time around, I waited to put the milk in until after the strain which seemed to make things easier. For iced chai: Boil down the mixture until it’s almost concentrated. Cool, pour over ice and add your milk!