In a mortar, crush the cloves, cardamom pods and cinnamon -- or you can one of those handy electric coffee grinders to grind the spices, just wash it good, so your chai doesn't taste like coffee! In a mortar, crush the cloves, cardamom pods and cinnamon. Transfer the crushed spices to a small saucepan, add the water, ginger and pepper and bring to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat, cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Add the milk and sugar to the pan and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the tea. Cover and let steep for 3 minutes. Stir the chai, strain it into a warmed teapot or directly into teacups.

Enjoy!