MASSALA CHAI

WISER, BRAVER, MORE OPTIMISTIC

George Orwell was elegaic about the effect of black tea on the soul, but if you're not a fan of the plain and simple version, you should try mixing in some spice. Stay away from sickly sweet processed Chai products, it's so easy to make your own, just how you like it. This is how we like ours, quantites for one big mug:

3/4 mug water 
3 whole smashed cardamom pods
thin slice of fresh ginger
1  cinnamon stick 
1 piece star anise
 milk to taste
2 teaspoons loose black tea leaves 
sugar, if you must.

Boil the spices in the water until it smells amazing. Lower the heat, add the tea and the milk and let the tea steep. Sweeten to taste and strain and serve in a lovely DOPPLER GLAS.