Recipe: Homemade Chai Tea (Cuisinart recipe)

HOMEMADE CHAI TEA

"While this tea is best prepared with half-and-half, reduced fat or soy milk may be substituted."

1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
3/4 teaspoon whole cloves
2 whole cinnamon sticks
1 star anise pod
5 cups half-and-half
1 cup water
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 (1 1/2-inch) piece of fresh ginger, peeled
1/4 teaspoon orange zest
6 black tea bags (Darjeeling or Ceylon is recommended)
3 tablespoons honey

Place the peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon sticks and star anise in the bowl of the Cuisinart Spice & Nut Grinder. Pulse 2 to 3 times, and then process until finely ground, about 30 seconds. Reserve.

In a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat, bring the half-and-half, 1 cup water and vanilla to a boil. Once the mixture comes to a boil, stir in the reserved spices, ginger and orange zest. Let the mixture simmer 10 to 15 minutes.

Add the tea and let simmer 4 to 6 minutes.

Strain mixture and stir in honey. Serve in individual mugs.

Makes about 4 servings (8 ounces each)

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories 480 (67% from fat); carb. 29g; pro. 9g; fat 35g; sat. fat 22g; chol. 110mg; sod. 130mg; calc. 356mg; fiber 2g

Source: Cuisinart Spice and Nut Grinder Manual, Model SG-10