Buvette's Masala Chai

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 4 whole cloves
• 6 cardamon pods
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons loose Assam black tea (or contents from 4 teabags)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch coarse salt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups water

Preparation:

1. Place the cloves, cardamon, peppercorns, bay leaves, and tea into a mortar and gently crush with the pestle. Alternatively, you can pulse the ingredients in a food processor or a coffee grinder. 
2. Place the mixture into a saucepan and stir in the ginger, cinnamon, salt, sugar, and milk. Add the water and set the pot over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain the chai and serve hot.