Chai Tea

2 quarts (8 cups) water
8 bags black tea
3/4 cup sugar
16 whole cloves
16 whole cardamom seeds, pods removed (optional)
5 cinnamon sticks
8 slices fresh ginger
1 cup milk
additional cinnamon sticks (optional)

1. Combine water, tea bags, sugar, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon sticks and ginger in Crock Pot. Cover, cook on HIGH 2 to 2.5 hours

2. Strain mixture; discard solids. (At this point, tea may be covered and refrigerated for up to three days.)

3. Stir in milk just before serving. Serve warm or chilled with additional cinnamon sticks, if desired.

Makes 8-10 servings.