This chai is very sweet, spicy, fragrant, and beautiful to behold in the saucepan. Delicious after a dinner party instead of coffee. Simmer it on the stove first, then strain into a crockpot to keep warm all evening. Per serving:
1 mug vanilla soymilk (1/5 water, optional)
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
2 cardamom pods, cracked
1 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 black tea bag
Simmer over medium heat until frothing. Strain into mug.