Masala tea

1. Combine water and milk in adeep pan, and bring to a boil.
2. Add the spices and sugar.
3. Stiri to blend, and turn off the heat.
4. Cover the pan, and let the spices soak for at least 10 minutes.
5. Add the tea leaves or tea bags, and bring the water to a second boil.
6. Reducei heat and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes.
7. Uncover, check the color and taste, and if desired add more milk and sugar.
8. Straini the tea into a warm teapot, and serve immediately.
9. Note: this is the way traditional spiced tea is made.
10. You may, however, omit the milk or sugar, or both, in which case reduce the quantity of tea to 2 heaping teaspoons or 3 tea bags.
11. Classic indian cooking by julie sahn.