Chai

Place 1 cinnamon stick, 6 whole green cardamom pods, 6 whole cloves, small knob of ginger sliced, 4 whole black peppercorns and 3 cups of water into a small pot and bring to the boil. Cover, reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to steep for 10 minutes.

Return pot to the heat and bring to the boil, the fragrance is so enticing at this stage. Remove from the heat, add 1 tbsp loose leaf black tea, cover and set aside for about 5 minutes. Strain the infusion through a fine mesh sieve and return the liquid back to the pot. Stir in 1 cup milk and 2 tbsp raw honey  and heat on a low flame for a minute or so. Pour and serve.

Although some might think this procedure to be a bit excessive and time consuming, the end result is well worth the wait. The ceremonial practice that is tea drinking has long been used as the focal point of social gatherings in cultures all over the world. Making tea in the traditional way, instead of using a ready- made tea bag owns quite a therapeutic quality and really, who doesn't love a tea party!