Winter Warming Hot Spiced Tea

Recipe from Everyday Foods

Husband-Tested in Alice Wootton's Kitchen

Serves 4

Be sure to have the ingredients to this delicious drink handy so that you can whip this up quickly for drop in guests, or wish to have something yummy to sip on while reading by the fire or when you wish to have something to warm you up after a hike in the beautiful hills of South Central Indiana. I use English Breakfast Tea, available in the bulk tea section of the Lost River Market & Deli. The cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and peppercorns are found in the bulk spice section of the store. The ginger root is found in the produce aisle. It's always satisfying to use local wildflower honey too! This tea would be especially good with cookies purchased at the deli.

In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups water and a 2 inch piece of fresh ginger (unpeeled), halved lengthwise, to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 8 minutes. Add 2 Tablespoons or 4 tea bags of English Breakfast Tea, 1 cinnamon stick, 8 whole cloves, 1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns, and 2 cups low-fat milk. Steep over medium-low heat for 6 minutes. Strain through a sieve; discard solids. Stir in 1/4 cup honey (or to taste). Divide among mugs. Serve hot, garnished with more cinnamon sticks, if desired.