Iced Masala Chai (Spiced Tea)

I love the exotic flavors in masala chai, or Indian spiced tea. I drink it hot in the winter, and enjoy it iced in the summer. Although you can certainly make this refreshing beverage using a sugar substitute and skim milk, nothing compares to the richness and flavor of honey and whole or even low fat rather than fat-free milk. This recipe makes 2 tall drinks or 4 small drinks -- or one super-sized iced masala chai.

Ingredients
2/3 cup water
1 teabag OR 2 tsp loose tea leaves
4 cloves
1 inch cinnamon stick
4 whole green cardamoms* OR 1/8 tsp ground cardamom
2 Tbs honey
2 cups cold milk
Crushed ice

*If using whole cardamoms, crack them open and remove the seeds, discarding the hulls. Crush or grind the seeds as finely as possible -- I use a marble mortar & pestle.

Place the teabag (or loose tea), cloves, cinnamon stick and cardamom into a dry teapot. In a separate saucepan (or using your microwave), bring the water to a boil and then pour the boiling water over the tea and spices in the teapot. Allow to steep for 3 to 5 minutes to desired strength. Stir in the honey until dissolved. Place crushed ice into the serving glasses. Stir the milk into the tea, strain, and pour over the crushed ice in the glasses.

Zestfully yours,
Gloria
www.carolinasauce.com