This warm chai is comfort in a cup. It’s extra special with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkling of ground allspice on top.

Ingredients

• 8   peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)
• 4 whole cloves
• 8 individual tea bags
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 4 cups boiling water
• 2 cups 2% milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1-1/2 teaspoons confectioners’ sugar
• Ground allspice

Preparation

1. Place the first five ingredients in a large bowl. With end of a wooden spoon handle, crush mixture until aromas are released. Add tea bags, honey and boiling water; steep, covered, 6 minutes.
2. In a small saucepan, heat milk. Strain tea into a heat-proof pitcher; stir in milk and vanilla.
3. In a small bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners’ sugar; beat until soft peaks form. Top servings with whipped cream; sprinkle with allspice.

Yield: 6 servings.