Flavor description
Two spices give us anise flavor in the kitchen. The first--sweet anise--is related to dill and caraway and is used in European cakes, breads, and the production of aniseed liqueurs such as Pernod. Sweet anise is good in cakes and biscuits. Warm gently before use to release its aroma.
The second and more familiar today is star anise, probably the world's prettiest spice, used widely in Asian cookery. Star anise is a principal ingredient in Chinese five-spice powder, and is indispensable for Chinese duck, pork, and beef. It makes an unusual but delicious flavoring for poached fruits such as pears and plums.
How to find
Buy star anise whole. One or two "stars" usually impart sufficient flavor to infuse an entire dish.
Substitutes
To substitute star anise for anise seed in a recipe, reduce the quantity to half or a third of the recipe's recommendation.
Related Recipes
Anise Biscotti
Braised Cinnamon-Anise Sweet Potatoes
Moroccan Spiced Salmon
Kumquats in Spiced Syrup with Cloves, Cinnamon, and Star Anise
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