Warm Earthy Goodness..In a Cup!

   With a chill in the air our souls long for soothing warmth. After a nice chilly trek to the barn or a stroll through the garden, it's a treat to be greeted by the earthy warmth of fresh chi tea.
   Over the years we have experimented with various brands and methods of chi tea and settled for two top faves: black spice and mint green. Using a few on hand spices and some standard loose tea (our store sells loose teas by the pound)- a little milk and honey- yum, yum.

  Black Spicy Chi Tea

2 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp cardamon seeds

10 whole cloves

5 cups of water

Bring this to a boil in a saucepan. Lower heat to a simmer, then add..

1/4 cup black tea leaves

Simmer gently for 15 minutes. Strain and add..

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup honey

3 cups milk

Serve warm or chilled- delicious! 

We occasionally add a dried lemon slice or a dried orange slice to the spice mix for variety and vitamin C.

Now...the mint version.

Minty Green Chi Tea

Same spice mix as above; brought to a boil and turned to a simmer before adding:

1/4 cup green tea leaves

1/4 cup mint leaves (or 4 mint tea bags)

Simmer for 15 minutes before straining. Then add the vanilla, honey, milk from previous recipe. Again, great hot or cold! I also like this with the dried citrus option from precious recipe..or without the mint.

   Warm cup of earthy goodness, a fireplace and a quilt--the parts of a wonderful chilly afternoon! Now curl up and enjoy your own--I will:)