The secret to making delicious chai is in the BREWING

Place one heaped teaspoon of chai per person and one for the pot in a saucepan or kettle with 1/3 milk and 2/3 water. (Allow a little extra for evaporation and amounts can be varied to suit personal tastes.)

Bring gently to the boil and then turn the heat down to low and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the spices to infuse. Milk may burn if the heat is too high. Be sure to brew at only a low temperature. Strain into a cup and then add honey or sugar to suit. Tastes great reheated.

BREWING TIPS

Many types of milk may be used in making chai. Try cows, goats, pasteurized, condensed, powdered, soy milk, almond milk, rice milk or coconut milk. Oh, coconut milk! Yum!

Be sure to watch the brewing closely at the start to avoid milk boiling over. Stainless steel or non-stick pots work well for making chai. They conduct heat well and are simple to clean. 

Brewing chai is fun and allows you to experiment until you get it 'just right' for your personal taste. Other ingredients that you could try adding as it brews are: fresh grated ginger, ground peppercorns, liquorice root, dry orange/mandarin peel or mint leaves.

Alternative method: Place one heaped teaspoon of chai per person and one for the pot in a saucepan or kettle with water.

Bring to the boil and then add hot milk from another pot. Simmer gently for a few minutes to allow the spices to infuse. Again be sure to brew at a low temperature as milk may burn if the heat is too high. Strain into a cup and then add honey or sugar to suit.

Iced Chai: Allow your chai to cool, then blend with ice cubes and honey. Top with a scoop of your favourite ice cream and a sprinkle of ground nutmeg or cinnamon. Voila! A great honey-chai milkshake.

For a special treat, try adding a nip of Kahlua, Irish Cream or chocolate to your cup of chai. Simply delicious!