Sweet Chai Mix

by Laura Donnelly — April 27, 2007

Chai is groovy, chai is cool. You can be both by making your own sweet chai mixture. Here is a case where I think whole milk works best. Save the low-fat for other virtuous purposes.

Makes about 1/2 cup

1 Tablespoon green cardamom pods
1 Tablespoon dried orange peel
1 Tablespoon chopped dried ginger (available at baking supply stores and specialty spice markets)
1 Tablespoon cinnamon chips (crushed cinnamon sticks)
1 teaspoon cloves
3/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

1. Combine all ingredients in coffee or spice grinder and grind until cardamom pods pop open. Store in an air-tight container.

2. To prepare 16 ounces of chai, add one teaspoon of sweet chai mix to a teapot. Add 3/4 cup boiling water and steep five minutes.

3. Add 2 teaspoons of black tea and add another 3/4 cup boiling water. Let steep another 3 or so minutes.

4. Strain this mixture into 1/2 cup of warmed milk and sweeten with honey to taste.