Homemade Chai Tea Blend (Bags or Loose Leaf)

Ingredients

• 12 green cardamom pods
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
• 4 inch cinnamon stick
• 2 tablespoons dried cut and sifted ginger (see notes)
• 1/2 cup loose leaf black tea (if decaf black tea desired, see notes)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- To Make the Chai Tea Blend ---

2. 2

   Combine the cardamom pods, peppercorns, fennel seeds, cloves, and cinnamon stick in a mortar and pestle and roughly crush. Alternatively, place spices in a gallon size zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.

3. 3

   Add the spice mixture to a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Toast until the spices are fragrant, about five minutes.

4. 4

   In a bowl, combine the crushed spices with the dried or crystallized/candied ginger and black tea.

5. 5

   To fill tea bags: Place 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture into a fillable tea bag. Tie closed.

6. 6

   --- To Make a Chai Tea Latte ---

7. 7

   Brew the tea using the ratio of 1 ½ tablespoons of tea mixture per 8 ounces (1 cup) of boiling water. Brew by either using a tea bag, filling a tea ball, or using a tea pot. Steep for 7-8 minutes for caffeinated tea, and 10+ minutes for decaf tea.

8. 8

   Add ¼ cup milk (non-dairy is fine) and natural sweetener (maple syrup, honey, and coconut sugar are all good options) to taste. Top with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.