I remember the first time I met Mike’s aunt.  It was about 20 years ago. Aunt Hazel did not live very far from the airport and her home was on the way to Mike’s father’s house.  Aunt Hazel’s husband, Cecil, had passed away several years before. Mike’s father told us that Hazel had always been his favorite aunt and that she had invited us to her home for dinner.

What I remember most about Aunt Hazel, was her small stature, her welcoming spirit and her big heart. You could she that she had spent a good deal of time happily preparing for our visit. Aunt Hazel’s home was very tidy, warm and cheerful.  Her dining room table had been set with pretty dishes, cutlery, cups and napkins.  The kitchen smelled amazing with pasta boiling and sauce simmering on the stove. The bread baking in the oven smelled heavenly.  It was Christmastime and Aunt Hazel made her Fruitcake for dessert, and believe me, it was just delicious! That is what I remember most about Aunt Hazel.

Years later Aunt Hazel became very ill and Mike’s dad and wife took her to their home to care for her.  During a visit to Missouri, Aunt Hazel gave us this beautiful teapot which I believe used to belong to Mike’s grandmother, Mildred.

I often use this teapot to serve this Chai Tea recipe! Did you know that green tea is very good for the overall functioning of the body because it is rich in antioxidants? It has been said that green tea also helps in weight loss?

2 1/4 cups water

2 cardamom pod, whole, split

1/4 inch fresh ginger

1 1/2 cup milk

4 teaspoons sugar

2 teaspoon black tea

Add cardamom, ginger, water and bring to a boil. Simmer on low for 5 minutes. Add the milk and sugar to the pan and bring to a boil again. Add tea and bring to a boil again. Strain it into a warmed teapot or directly into teacups. Enjoy!