HANDS-ON: 15 MIN. // TOTAL: 30 MIN., PLUS 1 HR. STANDING // MAKES 4 CUPS
Warm, fragrant spices transform an ordinary tea into something special while also soothing inflammation. Toasting the spices in a saucepan helps to bring out their flavors before steeping the tea bags. Adjust the syrup for sweetness, or substitute for stevia, if desired.
20 black peppercorns
8 cardamom pods
10 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
4 cups water
1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, sliced
4 black tea bags (such as English Breakfast)
2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dairy or nondairy milk for serving
1 Place the peppercorns, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan and cook over medium, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Add the water and ginger, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low; simmer, partially covered, for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat; add the tea bags and steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags, gently squeezing them to release excess water; discard the bags.
2 Add the maple syrup and vanilla and stir to combine. Let stand for 1 hour; strain and discard the solids. Store the concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To prepare, combine 1/2 to 3/4 cup milk with 1 cup concentrate. Serve hot or cold over ice.
(SERVING SIZE: 3/4 CUP CONCENTRATE): CALORIES 29; FAT 0G (SAT 0G, UNSAT 0G); PROTEIN 0G; CARB 7G; FIBER 0G; SUGARS 6G (ADDED SUGARS 6G); SODIUM 8MG; CALC 1% DV; POTASSIUM 2% DV
coffee or tea?
Looks like you may not have to pick, because coffee (in moderate amounts) appears to offer health perks, too. Harvard researchers found that people who drink 3 to 5 cups of coffee (caffeinated or decaf) a day may have a lower risk of developing neurological diseases and type 2 diabetes. Coffee lovers can thank chlorogenic acid, a compound in coffee that acts as an anti-inflammatory and decreases cells’ insulin resistance. Caffeine also blocks adenosine, a chemical that inhibits the activity of nerve cells; several studies correlate caffeine intake with higher scores on memory tests.