WARMING CHAI FOR A WINTER'S DAY
photos by ©Scott Burdick

Chai is a hot tea beverage popular throughout India and now enjoyed by many in the U.S. This aromatic drink is made with milk and spices, and sweetened with sugar, perfect for a cold winter's day.

Chai is very simple to make and is especially flavorful when prepared with "masalas," such as whole cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and fresh ginger. However, there are many companies on the market that have created "chai tea" blends--great for those who don't have a plethora of spices on hand. Please see the links below for more info on a few of these companies.

The photos above, taken in India, capture the art of serving and drinking chai. Thank you to Scott Burdick and Susan Lyon for their work!

CHAI
Serves 2

1 cup water
1 cup whole, organic milk
4 whole cloves
4 cardamom pods, gently bruised
1 1/2 inch piece cinnamon stick
1 slice fresh ginger (about the size of a quarter), peeled, then cut into pieces
2 teaspoons organic sugar
2 1/2 rounded teaspoons organic black tea ( I like Earl Grey for its bergamot flavor)

Put all ingredients in saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 4-5 minutes. Strain and serve.
Note: For an even warmer "kick," add 3 whole peppercorns.

Sattwa Organic Teas (Oregon)
Samovar Organic Masala Chai
The Fragrant Leaf Organic Masala Chai

Scott Burdick's website
Sarojni's website