A cup of Chai...

I'm a coffee person, and if I can say so myself, kind of a coffee addict. I've never like tea and that has always shocked people around me. You see, tea is sort of the national drink in India. A hot cup of tea is always served to guest right as they enter the door. I've got many a wierd look when I kindly refuse to take the steaming cup and ask for coffee instead. But that's just the way it is. I don't know how or why, but I became a coffee lover - much to the amazement of my parents! Hubby dear on the other hand, is a true blue Indian tea lover. Nothing can soothe and calm his senses any more than my special cup og masala chai, that I must honestly confess, he taught me how to make! But after all this time of brewing the perfect cuppa for him, he admits that I make it much better than he ever did. Masala Chai (Indian Spiced Tea)

Ingredients: 2 cups water 2 tsp tea powder 1/2 cup milk 5-6 cloves 5-6 green cardamom pods a pinch of crushed black pepper sugar, to taste Method: Boil water in a small pan and add tea and spices. Add in milk, lower the heat and allow it to come to a boil. Pour into cups through a strainer and add sugar according to taste. Serve hot and feel your nerves begin to relax. Tastes great with any sort for fried Indian snacks - like the Onion and Egg Patties seen in the pic!