Chai Tea

1 1/2 cups water
8 green cardamon pods, crushed
6 whole black peppercorns
2 slices fresh gingerroot, peeled and diced
1 stick cinnamon, 2 inches long
2 whole cloves
2/3 cup whole milk or soy milk
4 teaspoons sugar
3 teaspoons loose-leaf black Assam tea

Warm two teacups by filling them with hot water and covering them with their saucers. Set aside

In a saucepan, bring the water and spices to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 6 minutes.

Add the milk and sugar and heat almost to boiling. Add the tea leaves and turn off the heat. Let the tea infuse for 3 minutes or longer, to taste.

Strain into cups and serve.

Recipe from Chai: The Spice of India

Surprise Sandwiches

1 cup diced* cooked chicken (about 1 whole breast)
1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts** (filberts)
1/2 cup finely chopped dates
1/2 cup mayonnaise
4 strips crumbled crisp bacon
salt (optional)
12 thin slices white bread

Combine all ingredients (except bread), adding salt if necessary. Spread on buttered bread slices, then trim crusts. Cut into desired number of triangles: 2 per slice for luncheon, 4 per slice for tea time and 6-8 per slice for canapes.

*Chicken should be diced in 1/4 inch cubes.
**If hazelnuts still have their skins, place in a 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes until skins split. When cool, rub between hands or a rough towel to remove skins

Recipe from Tea Temptations, Culinary Collections 1988

Orange Marmalade Cheese Spread

8 oz softened cream cheese 

8 oz grated sharp cheese

1 bunch green onions, chopped

1 1/2 cups Hellman's mayonnaise

Mix all ingredients. Mold and cover with 1 cup toasted almonds. Spread orange marmalade on top. Chill and serve with crackers.

Recipe submitted by Fran Randle, Memphis, TN

Wowee Cake

3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup Hershey's unsweetened cocoa
2 tsp baking soda
2 Tbs white vinegar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups cold water

Stir dry ingredients together in an ungreased 9x13 pan.  Add vinegar, oil, water, and vanilla. Stir until thoroughly blended.  Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Serve warm or cool with whipped cream or Cool Whip.