Houji Chai

Hold your horses, I know what you're thinking here... Probably something along the lines of: Chai? With green tea? Weird!
Well, it's good, for one thing, and it's soooo easy to make. Plus, you can pretend to be prosh and proper, and sip it from a dainty little teacup with your pinky pointing out. Yes, the pinky is quite essential to the whole experience.

Houji-cha, or roasted green tea, has a natural caramelized flavor to it, and a bold mesquite aroma. It's the come-back kid of tea: humble and strong, and it won't let spices punk it around - instead, it'll make friends to create a beautiful harmony that we can sip on while eating dainty tea sandwiches.

Houji Chai - makes 4 servings

2 cups soy milk
4 tbsp houji-cha (I used the Traditional Houji-cha)
4 pods cardamon
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
10 pink peppercorns
a quick grind of nutmeg

1. Combine all ingrediens in a stock pot and bring to a simmer, over low heat. Let simmer for 4-5 minutes.
2. Strain over a chinois into a tea server.
3. Add your favorite sweetener if you'd like, and then drink - pinky up!