Cardamom Chai and Cardamom Syrup

I know I spoke of cardamom before, but this is a little deeper. Cardamom is an acient spice derived from South India known as the queen of spices (pepper is king). Cardamom is a tasty way to spice up libido. Definitely worth trying.

Cardamom Chai

Grated fresh ginger (into a sauce pan)
2 cups of water
3 cardamom pods crushed
5 black peppercorns
1 cinnamon stick
2-3 cloves

Heat and simmer for 10 min. Add 1/2 cup of milk and a rounded teaspoon of tea. Simmer for 10 min, strain sprinkle a little nutmeg on top, and add a few drops of vanilla extract and sweeten with honey.

cardamom pods

Cardamom Syrup

This syrup is delicious on fruit salad, or over a sweet succulent mango. Crush 2 tablespoons of cardamom pods. Put in a sauce pan with 2 cups of water. Simmer with the lid on for an half hour. Strain out the cardamom, and return the liquid to the pan, add 1 cup of sugar and bring to a boil. Boil until the liquid is reduced to by half, and the syrup begins to thicken. Add the juices of half of lemon, bring to a boil again, then remove from heat.