Chai and Chai Again

I spent the weekend on the couch fighting a nasty cold, my hoodie pockets stuffed with Kleenex. I found blips of relief through episodes of "30 Rock" and warm soy chai. The drink was just the right balance of spicy and sweet and so soothing to my pathetic, sickly self.

Chai Tea with Soy Milk
Recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart

3 cups water
10 whole green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
5 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and quartered
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scraped
1/3 cup honey
4 black tea bags, such as English Breakfast
1 1/2 cups soy milk

Place the water in a small saucepan, and add cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla bean and scrapings. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, and simmer until mixture is aromatic, about 15 minutes. Whisk in honey, and drop tea bags in pan; turn off heat, and let steep 3 minutes. Strain tea through a fine strainer or a coffee filter into a warmed serving pot. Heat soy milk in same saucepan over medium-high heat, about 3 minutes; do not let it come to a boil or it will separate. Pour into serving pot with the tea, and stir well to combine. Serve immediately. Serves 4.