• 1 cup black or green tea
• 2 T. dried, chopped ginger
• 1 T. whole cloves
• 1 T. cinnamon chips broken into small pieces
• 1 T. whole cardamom seeds
• 2 teaspoons whole coriander seeds
• 2 teaspoons whole anise seeds
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

Mix the tea and spices together and add 1 heaping Tablespoon of the blend to 2 cups of liquid. 2 cups rice, oat, or soy milk, or blend 1 cup cow's milk with 1 cup water. If you prefer skim milk, use 2 cups and omit the water.

Simmer gently for 20 minutes then strain and add honey to taste. This recipe yields enough for 32 cups and fits into a 4x6 ziplock bag

WARNING from Christine Blume: This chai mix is SO GOOD it will spoil you and you'll never again be content with the liquid ready-made chai from the grocery store

Mulling Spice Mix for Hot Wine or Cider

• 2 T. cinnamon bark chips
• 1 T. whole cloves
• 1 T. fennel seed
• 1 T. whole allspice seeds
• 1 t. cardomon seeds
• 1/2-1 t. orange rind granules

For mulled wine pour a 750 ml. bottle of wine and 1/2 cup honey into a crockpot. Tie 2 Tablespoons of the spice mix into a piece of cheese cloth or small muslin bag and simmer this on high for 45 minutes. To make mulled cider follow the above directions, omitting the honey.

For more information about Christine Blume, go to her Web site www.blumesfarm.com.