What in the devil is Chai?

Well folks I have succumbed to my curiousity and I am hooked. I admit it, I love Chai. It can be a frothy Chai Blended from Starbucks, or a cup of hot steaming Chai tea here at work. There's just something so yummy about it's spicy goodness.

Today I decided it would be a good idea to find out what makes it so positively yummy. Here goes:

>Open Google Search. Type in "What is Chai?"

Definition: Often refers to masala chai, or spiced tea, a strong black tea infused with milk, sugar, and spices.

>Look at tea packet for ingredients.

Black Tea, Chicory Root, Cardamom, Pepper, Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves, Natural Flavors.

>Back to Google. Type in "Spices in Chai Tea"

The spices used vary from region to region and among households in India. The most common are cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and pepper. Indian chai produces a warming, soothing effect, acts as a natural digestive aid and gives one a wonderful sense of well being. It's difficult to resist a second cup.

A Favorite Homemade Chai Recipe:

Boil 5 minutes, then steep 10 minutes:

1 Tbsp fennel or anise seed
6 green cardamom pods
12 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1/4" ginger root, sliced thin
1/4 tsp black pepper corns
2 bay leaves
7 Cups water

Add, bring to a boil, and simmer 5 minutes:

2 Tbsp Darjeeling tea

Add:

6 Tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 Cup milk

Yum!

**Have not tested above recipe.