Chai Tea with Milk

Martha Stewart Living

Makes 4 servings

    10 whole green cardamon pods, light crush                      
    5 whole cloves                                                 
    2 sticks cinnamon                                              
    1 piece fresh ginger peel, quarter (2 in.)                     
    1/2 vanilla bean split, scrape                                 
    1/3 cup honey +M4 serving                                      
    4 black tea bags                                               
    1 1/2 cups milk                                                

Place 3 cups water in a small saucepan; add cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla bean and scrapings. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer until mixture is aromatic, about 15 minutes. Whisk in honey; drop tea bags in pan. Turn off heat, and let steep 3 minutes.

Strain tea through a fine strainer or a coffee filter into a warmed serving pot. Heat milk in same saucepan over medium-high heat, about 3 minutes. Do not let milk come to a boil because it will separate. Pour into serving pot with the tea, and stir well to combine. Serve immediately, with more honey on the side if desired.