Tongue in Cheek Chai Tea Recipe

Disclaimer
I am not trying to make authentic chai because I've only had the boxed stuff here in the US and the chai at Indian restaurants so definitely no chai expert. I have had some REALLY bad chai (especially lately), though, stuff that tastes like steamer and that's it (a steamer is just hot milk. it tastes like hot milk and I'm *pretty* sure real chai isn't a steamer).
Also, there's no pictures because, honestly, I suck at taking food pictures. I don't want to torture you or turn you off chai altogether. Maybe later when I learn how to blog better and take real pictures.


How to Make AMAZING Chai Tea 

A quick recipe, written in the style of how I have been instructing my husband to cook.


Ingredients:
5 black tea bags (I used English Breakfast flavor because that's what I have on hand)
4 cups of water
6 cloves
1 large amount of cinnamon (maybe like a tablespoon)
3-4 small grinds of pepper (I shit you not. Its critical!)
Several dashes cardamon (about half as much cardamon as cinnamon)
2 short dashes of nutmeg
2 small pinches of anise
Dash of all spice
1/2 cup sugar (or honey. good god, I really need to remember to try it with honey!)
Milk


Directions:
1. In a small pan, toast the spices (cloves, cinnamon, peppercorns, cardamon, nutmeg) for about two or three minutes, until they smell like soap (at least that's what it smells like to me!)
2. In a saucepan, put the water, tea bags, and toasted spices. Mix it gently. Turn the burner to high and boil the mixture for 2 or 3 minutes (something like that. It needs to boil for at least a minute).
3. Stir in the sugar.
4. Let cool on the stove (just because straining boiling hot liquid can be dangerous, especially for me).
5. Remember that the chai is cooling on the stove. If you forgot to add the sugar earlier, add the sugar now and heat it up just enough so it will mix.
6. Strain the chai into a refrigerator friendly container using a FINE mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
7. Remember to put the chai in the fridge.
8. Pour a half a teacup of chai and fill the rest of the cup up with milk. Drink and adjust the milk/tea ratio to taste.
9. Don't drink the sludge at the bottom!!!! Just make another batch! Every single time I skip this step and its really important so don't skip it!



Did I mention my husband doesn't appreciate my cooking instruction? O:-) But it really is how I make my chai and I've made some TASTY chai lately!



Per the disclaimer, I'm not a chai tea expert. This is just what tastes good to me personally. I'm still nailing down my proportions so I promise to update with real measurements as soon as I figure them out. I'm not sure where I got my original chai recipe. I've searched for hours and I just don't remember where this recipe originated. I *think* this may be it but I'm not sure (at the very least, it will give you a great idea of ACTUAL spice proportions):
https://livesimply.me/2014/10/06/homemade-chai-tea-latte/


Enjoy your chai!