Chai Concentrate

I think I discovered Chai tea just after high school and have been hooked ever since.  When convincing me to try it the first time, my dear friend Melissa called it "Christmas in a cup."  So true!  My Aunt Maureen discovered a recipe for the powder, which is so good, especially in the winter when all I want is hot tea.  However, it is a little tricky to make chilled.  Anyway, I found a liquid concentrate recipe that I'm going through like crazy right now!  I love it and thought I'd share for my fellow chai addicts out there!  

(photo from "mostly foodstuffs")

·         4 ½ c water

·         1-2 sticks cinnamon

·         1 3” piece of fresh ginger, chopped -OR- 1/2 tsp ground

·         7 cardamom pods -OR- 1/2 tsp ground

·         1 star anise pod

·         10-20 cloves

·         ¼ tsp ground black pepper

·         ½ tsp ground nutmeg

·         1 tsp orange zest (optional)

·         10 bags black tea

·         ½ c. brown sugar

·         1 Tbsp honey

·         1 Tbsp vanilla

Prepare the spices and the tea, and set aside.

 Bring the water to a boil, and remove from heat, then seep the spices and tea  for 15 minutes.

  Strain the mixture into a 4-cup jar, discarding the spices.  Add the sugar, honey and vanilla, and stir until the sugar has dissolved.  Store refrigerated.  With the store bought concentrate, I usually mixed it half and half with milk.  This stuff is a little bit strong for that, so I've been filling the glass 1/3 full of concentrate and the other 2/3 full of milk.  I hope you enjoy!  I just have to picture my little helper in his bean bag, too: