Chai Latte Granita

Description
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Ingredients

 * 8 cups water
 * 2 inches fresh ginger, unpeeled and chopped coarse
 * 1 whole star anise
 * 1 3–4 inch cinnamon stick
 * 1/2 vanilla bean, split
 * 3/4 cup honey
 * 2 tablespoons black tea or decaf tea
 * 1 cup milk or soy milk
 * Whipped cream (optional)
 * Cinnamon (optional)

Directions
Add water, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and vanilla in a large pot. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer; cook for 40 minutes. Add honey, tea and milk. Bring back to a boil then remove from heat. Allow to cool to room temperature, strain with a fine strainer or through a strainer and a paper towel or cheesecloth. Refrigerate until chilled.

In a 9 x 13 inch pan (or a pan large enough to fit in your freezer shelf) freeze mixture. When almost frozen, scrape with a fork to break up chai mixture. Re-freeze for another 1 1/2 to 2 hours, scrape again with a fork and return to freezer. When frozen, serve or transfer to a plastic container for later. If using later, allow to melt slightly then scrape again with fork and serve. Garnish with whipped cream and ground cinnamon, if desired.