These are approximate amounts.  You will have to experiment with the recipe to get the balance you like.  HINT: the combination should remind you of apple pie spices.

Ingredients:

1/2 water (1/2 pot)
1 T cinnamon …(light on cinnamon in the summer)
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cardamon (At least..this pricey spice is not an option…it is the key to great chai. Guruji liked to put 4-6 pods in the pot.  I like the power of powdered!)
4-6 cloves (go easy…these are very potent)
3-4 black pepper corns
1 slice ginger or sprinkle of powdered ginger  – to taste

1/2 pot whole milk (whole is best…low fat won’t give the creamy texture expected in a good chai)
brown sugar to taste, about 1 T (or 3-4 for a sweeter Indian style)
Brown sugar is more syrupy
3-4 bags black tea (or equivalent in loose tea, may use decaf)

Instructions:

1. Begin with a 2 quart pot and fill it half way up with cool water.  Add spices and bring to a boil.  Boil for 5 minutes (doing namokar mantra over the pot!).  Replace water if needed.
2. Then add an equal part whole milk. (Should bring liquid to the top of the pan) Bring milk to another boil and turn off before the milk forms a cap…or boils over!

3. Add black tea bags, let steep for 3-4 minutes and then add lots of brown sugar.  This is a sweet, caffeinated tea!  Adjust for sugar-free, milk free and de-caf.

Hope you enjoy and thanks Aunt Maryann.  See

Today I used a gift certificate I received for Christmas last year….OK, I’m a little busy and , as much as I appreciate a good massage, nearly forgot about it. I am glad I remembered.

I had never used the services of Rizzieri Salon and Spa in Marlton, NJ. I was very pleased with the entire experience. It was comfortable from beginning to end. Nothing negative at all, honest.

People were pleasant. The place was warm and comfortable. There was considerable attention to detail. And my masseur was phenominal! The one and a half hour massage was well worth the investment of my benfactor. Thanks!