Homemade chai tea

Makes 4-6 servings

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 15 whole cloves
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 8 (1/4 inch thick) slices unpeeled fresh ginger
• 15 cardamom pods, split
• 15 whole black peppercorns
• 10 black tea bags
• 4 tsp. granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preparation

In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil; add cloves and continue to boil for 1 minute. Add cinnamon, ginger, cardamom pods, peppercorns, and tea. Allow tea to steep for 5-10 minutes.

Strain liquid into a container. Stir in sugar and vanilla extract and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.

To serve: Pour ¾-1 cup concentrate into a large mug with ½-1 cup water. Heat in microwave for 1 ½ minutes.

Nutrition analysis per serving: 16 calories, 0g fat, 0g protein, 4g carbohydrate, 0g fiber, 0mg sodium

For Chai Tea Latte: Pour ¾-1 cup concentrate into large mug with ¼-½ cup milk. Heat in microwave for 1 ½ minutes. Using electric whisk, carefully beat liquid until frothy. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg or black pepper (optional).