Ye Olde Tavern Life

Brew me a cup for a winter's night.

For the wind howls loud and the furies fight;

Spice it with love and stir it with care,

And I'll toast our bright eyes,

my sweetheart fair.

~Minna Thomas Antrim

Hot Spiced Tea

3 c water

1 3″ piece of ginger, cut into large discs

4 black tea bags

2 cinnamon sticks

10 whole cloves

5 green cardamom pods, slightly crushed

1/2 t black peppercorns

2 c milk

2 T honey

In a large covered saucepan, bring the water and ginger to a boil. Lower heat and let simmer for 10 minutes. Add in tea bags, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, cardamom pods, and milk and continue to simmer on low heat for 20 minutes until fragrant and dark. Taste. If not strong enough for your liking, let simmer longer. Strain to remove solids and whisk in honey and return to heat so that the honey melts into the tea. Divide into mugs and serve hot.