Autumn invites steaming mugs of homemade mulled chai: black tea simmered with ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, fennel, peppercorns, nutmeg, vanilla, citrus and honey in milk and water. These fragrant infusions comfort, aid digestion, calm nerves, scent the house, and make charming gifts—your own signature, spice-laced celebration of the season.

Poaching firm winter pears in gently warmed tea creates a fragrant, luscious dessert that deepens as it steeps. Sweetened with maple syrup, scented with vanilla, and slowly simmered, the pears stay tender yet shapely. Serve warm or chilled over yogurt, oatmeal, ice cream, or cakes, with reduced syrup and crunchy garnishes.