Real Masala Chai

"Morning and afternoon tea are elaborate rituals around which all schedules rotate and all meaningful work comes to a standstill." -- Kept: An American Househusband in India

Ingredients:

11/2 cups water

8 cardamom pods

8 whole cloves

1 cinnamon stick

2/3 cup milk

6 teaspoons sugar

3 teaspoons unflavored black tea

Preparation:

Simmer water with cardamom, cloves and cinnamon ten minutes. Stir in milk, sugar and tea. Cover, turn off heat and let stand for two minutes. Strain into small cups and enjoy. - g