STAR ANISE

 The eight-pointed star has so many uses

• Flavoring and braising spice for meats
• A digestive tea when smashed and steeped in boiling water, and has a terrific licorice-y taste
• Savory dishes, such as the Braised Pork with Sweet Potatoes
• In desserts such as the Poached Pears in Red Wine
• Great paired with cinnamon sticks
• And a great seasoning year-round, but especially in time for Chinese New Year
 
Once only available in Asian markets, you can now buy it in the spice section of supermarkets.

Happy Year of the Rat to Spices of Lifers and our friends at Apartment Therapy’s The Kitchen.

Also see
Apartment Therapy

Download
Quicktime 320×240 (.mov)
Quicktime 640×480 (.mov)