Cháyèdàn- Chinese Tea Eggs

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 2 black tea bags
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 4 pieces star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns (optional)
• dried mandarin orange peel, in strips (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Put eggs in a medium-sized pot with enough water to cover the eggs.

2. 2

   Bring water to boil, then lower heat to simmer for 3 minutes.

3. 3

   Remove eggs from heat and allow them to cool a bit before handling(running them under cold water does the trick quickly.).

4. 4

   Take the back of a knife and crack eggs evenly all around.

5. 5

   Return eggs to the pot and add the rest of the ingredients.

6. 6

   Bring liquid to boil again, then simmer for 1 to 3 hours, longer for a more intense flavor and color, adding water if level gets too low.

7. 7

   Remove from heat, and serve as a snack or addition to rice or noodles.