Masala Chai Tea makes one 8 ounce serving

3/4 cup water 
2-4 whole green cardamom pods, smashed
1-2 thin slices fresh ginger
1 1-inch cinnamon stick 
1 piece star anise
3/4 cup milk 
1 1/2 teaspoons loose black tea leaves 
Sweetener, to taste (I prefer honey or maple syrup)

In a small saucepan, combine the water, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon stick and star anise. Bring the mixture to a boil then lower the heat and simmer for a few minutes until the mixture is fragrant. Add the milk and tea leaves, and simmer for another minute then turn off the heat and let steep for 2 minutes. Pour into a cup through a fine mesh sieve. Discard the leaves and spices. Add sweetener, to taste.