Tea time is a strong part of Indian culture.  We have the British to thank for that portion of our culture.  (The 200 years of British rule we could have done without but tea time wasn’t so bad).  Everyday around 4 p.m., everyone stops to have a cup of tea and some snacks like mixture and a cookie.  Truth be told, my mom has about six cups of chai a day.  I love it when she comes to visit because she makes it effortlessly and it is a great pick me up.  (4:00 p.m. tends to be a time of day I really need a pick me up, how about you?)

Chai is black tea mixed with a few spices and served with milk and sugar.  I saw this recipe on tv and thought it was ingenious!  Using a French press to make tea?  How novel!  My hubby now makes this for me almost nightly and I love it.  We used a French press for this recipe but you could use a tea pot or other heatproof pitcher.

Chai

Adapted From Lucinda Scala Quinn

• 2 tablespoon loose black tea
• 2 cardamom pods, crushed
• 2 cloves
• 1/2 inch cinnamon stick
• 3 cups boiling water
• 1 1/2 cups of hot milk
• sugar

Directions:

Put the tea, cardamom pods, cloves and cinnamon in a French press or other heatproof pitcher.  Add boiling water and let steep for 3-4 minutes.

Divide hot milk into two mugs.  Using a whisk, vigorously whisk the milk until it appears frothy. 

Strain the tea into each cup and add sugar to desired sweetness.