Shivering in her chilly kitchen, Claire naturally thought of a restorative cup of chai. The spices in the tea are warming--the perfect antidote to a bad dream. She likes it very strong, with just a little milk and unrefined sugar. If your own tastes are more insipid—sorry, I meant to say restrained—feel free to adjust the ingredients to your pleasure. Just be sure to use a black tea that can stand up to all the spice. Claire likes the Mangalam Estate Assam, a malty flavored brew with distinctive golden buds mixed with black leaves, from www.inpursuitoftea.com.
To make 3 or 4 cups of tea
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
12 green cardamom pods
6 cloves
1 3-inch stick of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
1-inch piece of fresh ginger
4 cups water
1/2 cup of milk
2 tablespoons demerara sugar
4 generous teaspoons black tea
Method:
1. Place the black pepper, coriander seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon and fennel seeds in a mortar and crush lightly with the pestle. Add the ginger and smash it. Combine the spices, water, milk and sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat, cover and steep for 10-12 minutes.
2. Add the black tea and return to a boil. Turn off the heat, cover and steep for 5 minutes more. Strain into another pot. Taste. If you like, add more milk or sugar. Reheat as necessary.
3. Inhale the scent of the spices. Drink deeply. Relax. Things aren’t as bad as they seem--yet.