Cricket Round-Up, and Tea Masala for a Bit of Zip

There's been a lot going on in World Cup Cricketdom, so let's catch up.  First of all, Bangladesh lost badly to the West Indies on Friday, March 4th.  When I say badly, I mean badly.  In what can only be described as an extreme case of stage fright, the Bangladesh team could only muster up a measly 58 runs before being all out in only a handful of overs.  It was heartbreaking to watch because these chaps are capable of playing so well!  The West Indies team cleaned them out in a jiffy, which quite possibly made this the shortest ODI in history. 

Some of the Bangladesh fans threw stones at the West Indies and Bangladesh teams' busses.  A group of angry fans also attacked the Bangladesh Captain's house.  How awful.  Simply terrible; the Bangladesh team does not deserve this, and the Windies team does not deserve this.  Hopefully security will be tightened up and those responsible for the stoning and vandalism will be dealt with harshly.

Then on Saturday, the Sri Lanka /Australia match was a total wash-out because the rain ...well...washed it out.  Each team got a point, though.  I was looking forward to the match because I really dig that Angelo Mathews on the SL team:  nice batsman, nice bowler, and nice-lookin'.  A triple threat to the opposition!

Awesome Angelo, a real treat to watch!

And yesterday, Sunday...wow just wow.  England beat South Africa, which I did not see coming.  Must be the fish and chips the poms eat!  Saffy-side Hashim Amla looked a little tired at the crease, and Jacques Kallis didn't look like his regular big bad self, either.  I suspect the saffies have been eating too many of the lovely sweeties that are available in the sub-continent.  Saffies, put down the taffies!

The Saffy Laffy Taffy, but the Saffies ain't feelin' too laffy today!

And finally, India beat Ireland, but not by much!  My goodness these Irish lads are playing well!  Let's get them Test status!  I want to see what these guys can do in the 5 day format.  And a quick note to India:  you must play better, or kiss an Irish person so that some of that "luck of the Irish" rubs off on you.  Pucker up!

And now for today's culinary delight, I'm going to show you my tea masala for a bit of Zip.    I usually drink plain milk tea (dhudhpatti), but when it's cold or if you're grumpy like the Saffies must be today after that loss to England, a good masala in your tea warms you up and makes you all happy inside.  Right!  Let's go.

Kiki's Zippy Tea Masala

I usually don't buy the commercial tea masalas because I like a different blend of spices, and I add turmeric because it's a cancer fighter.  Furthermore,  I do not put ginger in my masala. But you can if you want; just remember that powdered ginger can give some people heartburn.

Cinnamon bark
cloves
green cardamom pods
cumin seeds
star anise
turmeric
a little lal mirch (red chili powder)

Now use these in the proportions that you like, and just make enough for a few cups of tea at a time.

Dry roast the spices except the lal mirch and turmeric until the cumin starts to pop.  Then crush them in a mortar and pestle until they turn into a fine powder;and don't forget to discard the shells of the green cardamom pods.   You can use a spice grinder if you have one, again, don't forget to take the seeds out of the green cardamoms and discard the shells.

Add the lal mirch and turmeric.  Now your masala is ready to go.  You can add a few pinches to your milk tea while it's cooking, or you can add it when you pour the tea into your cup.  Give it a stir and enjoy.

You can also add a pinch of salt along with the masala and some sugar; this will make your tea taste much richer and decadent! 

So have a good one today, hopefully the Saffies will feel better after losing; and hopefully we'll see some good cricketin' tonight and tomorrow!

Happy Cricket!  Happy Cooking!