Homemade Chai Mmmmmm

I recently became obsessed with making a real masala chai at home. The obsession was worthwhile. I'm home sick right now, enjoying quite a few decaffeinated cups.

Here's the recipe for a batch:

6 cups water
2 cups milk
3 tablespoons sugar
6 tea bags
herbs:
6 green cardamom pods
6 cloves
4 peppercorns
2 star anise
1 cinnamon stick

In a stovetop pot, bring water to a boil, and dissolve sugar 
completely.  Add tea bags and spices.  Turn off heat, cover 
and steep for ten minutes.  Add milk and enjoy!

If you are unfamiliar with some of these whole spices, here's a picture. They are so pretty and good smelling.



I found the star anise in the ethnic foods aisle. McCormick sells cardamom pods, but they were crazy expensive. I actually found mine for quite a bit cheaper at Whole Foods. Yes, that Whole Foods. They have surprisingly good prices on spices, as they only sell their own label.