Sadie Jo Smokey The Arizona Republic Jan. 25, 2006 12:00 AM

To add flavor to after-dinner coffee, search through your spice rack. Cardamom, a spice native to southern India, has a warm, slightly citrus flavor. Indian drinks, such as coffee and chai tea, are often made with cardamom.

Chai tea served in coffee shops is typically made with a sweetened base syrup made of spices and tea extract combined with either milk or soymilk. When made at home, you can experiment with the blend of spices to alter the degree of sweet and spicy.

Orange Cardamom Coffee

From Some Like It Hot Jan. 25, 2006 12:00 AM

Seeds from 2 cardamom pods 1/2 cup whole coffee beans 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 3 cups cold water 6 ounces Grand Marnier (optional) Whipped cream for garnish Grated orange zest for garnish Special equipment: coffee grinder

Grind the cardamom seeds and coffee beans together in a coffee grinder. Using a standard coffeemaker, spoon the coffee-cardamom mixture into a coffee filter. Sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg on top of the coffee grounds. Pour cold water into the coffeemaker and brew.

Divide the coffee and Grand Marnier, if desired, among four mugs and stir. Top each with a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle with orange zest and serve.

Makes four servings.

Reach the reporter at sadiejo.smokey@arizonarepublic.com or (602) 444-8148.