Something to take the chill off … Photograph: Claire Thomson/Guardian
The odd cuppa won’t hurt the kids – and a sweet, spicy chai is as warming and tasty as hot chocolate.
After a whole winter of hot chocolate requests, I thought I’d road-test an alternative hot drink on the children as they came running home from school, feeling the chill.
I remember the frequency with which we drank masala chai on trips to India – nursing earthenware cups of sweetly spiced tea while sitting on our rucksacks, waiting for buses. But for children, moderation is key – I see no harm in my kids having the odd cup of tea. It hasn’t toppled hot chocolate from its No 1 spot, but has provided a welcome change.
(Makes 600ml)
1 English breakfast teabag
6 green cardamom pods
6 cloves
½ tsp ground ginger
1 cinnamon stick
12 peppercorns
500ml freshly boiled water
100ml milk
2-3 tsp sugar
Snip open the teabag and place the contents in a saucepan. Add the spices and the boiling water, and simmer for three to five minutes over a medium-high heat.
Strain through a fine tea strainer into a jug, then return to the pan. Add the milk and sugar, stir over the heat for 30 seconds. Serve immediately.
