Christmas 2015

Of all our spices, Star Anise is definitely the treasured one. The fruit of an evergreen tree grown in China and Vietnam, this woodland spice springs forth memories distant and makes possible the scope to create more. A casserole in Chinese cooking isn't quite complete without the magic of star anise.  It especially works well with meats and meaty vegetables. It's woody smokiness is like a cure that perfumes and adds elegance. At Christmas, I look forward to stirring up some mulled wine just so I can drop a few pods of star anise into the pot. That to me strikes [...]