making chai

maybe it's not authentic, but making chai for a snowday in Brooklyn 1/2 t fennel or anise seeds 4 cardamon pods 6 whole cloves 1 inch piece of cinnamon stick 1/2 t black peppercorns 1 bay leaf 1 inch piece of fresh ginger peeled and sliced 1 c water + 1 c milk 1 T black Assam tea raw sugar lightly toast spices for about 1 minute or until fragrant crush spices a bit in motar and pestle, then put in stainless saucepan. add ginger and milk + water and tea leaves. bring to a gentle boil then simmer for about 5 minutes. add sugar if desired strain into little bitty chai cups adapted from David Tanis and thanks to Mr V for the nice red chai cups