Chai Tea Affogato

Instructions

1. Prepare the chai tea
   Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the chai tea bags or loose tea and allow to steep for 3-4 minutes. Remove the tea bags and stir in the ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and honey. Allow the tea to cool slightly (it should be hot but not scalding).
2. Whip the cream (optional)
   In a small bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Set aside for topping the dessert.
3. Prepare serving glasses
   Place one scoop of vanilla ice cream in each of four heat-resistant dessert glasses or small coffee cups. Make sure the glasses are at room temperature to prevent cracking when the hot tea is added.
4. Assemble the affogato
   Pour about 1/2 cup of the hot chai tea over each scoop of ice cream. The ice cream will begin to melt slightly, creating a creamy, delicious mixture.
5. Garnish and serve
   Top each affogato with a small dollop of the whipped cream if using, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, some crushed pistachios, and a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately while the contrast between hot and cold is at its peak.