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During this time of Covid-19, we’re finding getting together with neighbors for tea and even cocktails is a great way to catch up with each other. All while social distancing, of course. We were lucky enough to have this incredible chai made from scratch by our neighbor Himali. I asked if she wouldn’t mind sharing her recipe. To my delight, she agreed!

2 teaspoons – 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
6 mint leaves torn, (if using liquid mint concentrate, 1/2 teaspoon)
2 teaspoons black tea
2 pinches ground cardamom, or 1 pod
2 teaspoons sugar, or sweetener of your choice
1/2 cup water
2 cups milk or your choice of non-dairy substitute
Pinch of saffron

In a quart sized saucepan, add the ginger, mint, black tea, Cardamom, sugar, and water and stir. Over medium heat, reduce the mixture by 3/4. Be careful not to let it burn. Now add the milk and saffron. Bring to a boil, making sure the pot doesn’t spill over. Turn off heat, strain, pour into mugs and enjoy! If you want to switch it up and have an iced chai, just make the “concentrate” without the milk and saffron. Once the mixture is cooled, add the milk over ice and add 1/2 the concentrate, then add the saffron, if using, and stir. I used oat milk and it came out great! Serves 2.

Visit Dorothy’s website at http://ddimarzo2002.wix.