Nothing is nicer and more comforting than a cup of steaming ginger tea. Especially when it's gloomy and raining , ginger tea is cheering. And nothing could be easier to make.
The main ingredient is fresh ginger which you can purchase at most any grocery store. It is sold by the pound and if you've never purchased it before don't be alarmed by the price. The pieces in the bin are called hands, but you need only buy a finger...about the size of your thumb....just break off a piece. At the check out it will be weighed and will probably cost a quarter or so.
Besides ginger you'll need some water and a tea bag. Regular orange pekoe is good, or you could use green tea with its highly touted health benefits.
Slice a piece off your finger of ginger, maybe a half inch thick....no need to be precise....,rinse it, peel it and then mash with the bottom of a sauce pan or slice finely and add to about 12 ounces of water. Bring the water to a boil and let simmer 2 or 3 minutes, then pour into your cup and dunk your tea bag into the concoction 2 or 3 times...be quick...unless you want stronger tea. Add some sweetener if you desire...I like a teaspoon or two of sugar....honey would be nice. Allow it to steep another minute or so until it is just the right drinking temperature.
It is especially lovely with some toasted and buttered cranberry walnut whole wheat bread.
Enjoy!