Chai II

2 tsp of sugar
1/2 cup of milk
2 cup of water
1 tbsp of sliced and peeled ginger
1 of cinnamon
2 of cardamon
2 tsp of loose black tea
2 of cloves

Combine the water, tea, cardamon, cinnamon stick, cloves, 1 tsp of the sugar,and the black peppercorns, if desired, in a large saucepan and simmer over low heat for 5 min. Add the milk and the rest of the sugar. Add the ginger 1-2 min after that, or when the mixture returns to a simmer. Wait for 15-30 seconds, then strain the tea into 2 cups. Variation: to make Chai II without milk and sugar, combine the water, tea, cardamon, cinnamon stick, cloves, and black peppercorns, if desired, in a large saucepan and simmer over low heat for 5 min. Add the ginger, wait 15-30 seconds, then strain the tea into 2 cups.