Green chai

I have been looking for an alternative to coffee. Something that is full bodied and rich and satisfying - well, like coffee. I like this hot drink.

1.5 litres (6 cups) water
8 slices fresh ginger
12 whole cloves
1 star anise (star aniseed)
1/4 tsp fennel seed
7 cardamon seeds, opened
1/2 cinnamon stick
3 bags green tea
500 ml (2 cups) milk
4 tbsp honey

Bring the water to a boil.
Reduce the heat to simmer and add the ginger and the spices. Let simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.

Add the tea bags and steep for 5 minutes.

Add the milk and honey. Strain the tea and serve hot or cold.

So, that is the original recipe from the book: Cooking With Foods That Fight Cancer by Beliveau and Gingras of Montreal. A very good cookbook despite the title.

I haven't found star anise. I use way more green tea and a loose tea - gunpowder tea.
A half recipe makes 3 medium mugs of chai.

Enjoy!