Chai at home

We love to get chai, but it can get pretty expensive at the local Starbucks.  So, with some trial and error, I have finally found a way to make it at home.  This recipe makes 2 large cups, (or 3 small cups), and only take 5 minutes.

You will need:
1/2 cup water
1 tea bag, (such as orange pekoe, English breakfast or Darjeeling - I use Lipton)
3 Tabs. granulated sugar
2 Tabs. cocoa
pinch of salt
2 cups milk
1 teas vanilla
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon cardamom

First bring you water to a boil, pour over the tea bag, (in a small saucepan).  Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.  (I just use the microwave to boil my water, it's much faster).

Remove the tea bag, add the cocoa, sugar, and salt.  Stir well.

You will notice that the mixture looks like a nice rich cocoa drink.

 Bring to a full boil over medium heat.  Let boil for about 1 minute.  You want to make sure to cook the cocoa and sugar, (so it's not bitter).

Turn the heat to low, and slowly add the milk.

Add the vanilla

 Stir well

 Add the spices, and stir well to incorporate.  Continue heating, but do NOT allow to boil.  Once all the spices have dissolved and mixture is completely heated, pour into mugs.

Note:  Because cardamom is so expensive, I don't buy a whole bottle, I just buy a few tablespoons at the bulk section of the grocery store whenever I need it.  A couple of weeks ago, as I was buying some a lady ask what I was making.  When I said chai, she said "that definitely smells like chai".

My husband likes his with marshmallows or whipped cream.  I just like mine plain.

It a good way to warm up on a cold day.

Enjoy.