The Ultimate Comfort Drink

There is something about tea that puts me in a mild euphoria everytime. I’ve always had a soft spot for this ancient beverage and I’d prefer it to any other drink any day of the week, even alcoholic. Now that I’m married to a Muslim and drinking is no longer an option, I hold onto my teacup with an ever stronger zeal. I sometimes fancy myself a bit of a connoisseur even. I will occasionally drop into a tea shop simply to test my knowledge and walk out happily when I leave the shop owner puzzling over some bit of new information.I enjoy trying the national teas of the country I happen to be visiting. France doesn’t really happen to have a tea. Their comfort drink is vin chaud (hot or mulled wine). It is made very similarly to tea in that instead of hot water, spices are boiled together with wine. Some of the same warming spices are used as in my favorite tea: Chai Masala. Or, since I am incidentally from Oregon, you could call it Oregon Chai, I won’t mind.

Chai Masala

Use all those warm, fragrant spices you have

Ingedients:

• Thick slice ginger root
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 6 or 7 whole cardomoms, shelled
• optional: 1 or 2 star anise, 3 or 4 black peppercorns, 3 or 4 cloves
• 1/2 liter whole milk
• 1/3 liter water
• 1-2 tsp. loose-leaf black tea, preferably something strong, simple and dusty like assam
• Sweetener. I usually use 1 tbsp brown sugar.

Method:

1. Start with cold water and the spices. Bring them to a boil together on medium high heat in an uncovered pan. Heat for around 7 minutes until about a third of the water has evaporated.
   

   A clay or ceramic cup is ideal. Glass or plastic is also common, but only recommended for the experienced!

2. Turn off and remove from heat. Stir and add the milk. Very gradually return to a sizzle. Remain watching the milk as it an boil over without warning! Don’t let it boil.
3. Once the milk and spices make a little mountain and raise, but not boil, turn off the heat.
4. Add the tea and sweetener, stir very briefly and cover the pot to let it steep for 4 to 5 minutes. Tea should never be boiled, but steeped.
5. Strain into a dainty cup. Enjoy!