Servings: 8 servings (2 tablespoons each)

1-pint half and half or heavy whipping cream if you wanna go all decadent (see note about the liquid) 1-pint half and half or heavy whipping cream if you wanna go all decadent (see note about the liquid)
½ tsp ground cardamom ½ tsp ground cardamom
¼ tsp ground allspice ¼ tsp ground allspice
½ tsp ground cinnamon (use the Ceylon variety for more authenticity, but Cassia will be tasty) ½ tsp ground cinnamon (use the Ceylon variety for more authenticity, but Cassia will be tasty)
¼ tsp ground cloves ¼ tsp ground cloves
⅛ tsp ground black pepper ⅛ tsp ground black pepper

Place all the spices in the grinder of your choice and zing until thoroughly pulverized into a fine powder-either that or use preground spices. The flavor will be MUCH fresher with freshly ground ingredients. I like to grind all of my spices in an off-brand Bullet type of grinder. It does a far superior job than the coffee grinders I used to use, IMHO.
Use a funnel to pour the spices into the half and half container or pour it all into a pint-sized canning jar and cover tightly with a lid.
Place in the refrigerator to develop flavor for at least two days. The flavors deepen as it ages.
To use, stir the mixture and scoop out 2 to 3 tablespoons directly into a cup of strong hot black tea.
Sweeten each cup of tea to taste if desired.

I based this LARGELY on Sally Champe's Masala Chai recipe. I like a little more cinnamon than she does.  I based this LARGELY on Sally Champe's Masala Chai recipe. I like a little more cinnamon than she does.
Sally recommends a 14-oz. can of unsweetened condensed milk (low-fat or nonfat if desired).  Sally recommends a 14-oz. can of unsweetened condensed milk (low-fat or nonfat if desired).
I don't care for the flavor of condensed milk, but that is an option. I've done it, and it is good, but I much prefer heavy whipping cream or half and half. The fat does a phenomenal job of delivering the flavor.  I don't care for the flavor of condensed milk, but that is an option. I've done it, and it is good, but I much prefer heavy whipping cream or half and half. The fat does a phenomenal job of delivering the flavor.
Of course, you may use whatever form of dairy or non-dairy liquid you like.  Of course, you may use whatever form of dairy or non-dairy liquid you like.