Star Anise

Although not part of the true anise family this pretty star shaped spice has a similar but more sweetly licorice taste and smell. Excellent with sweet potatoes or pumpkin its flavor also fuses well with poultry and seafood. A key ingredient in Chinese five-spice, Star Anise is also used in the beef stock for the quintessential Vietnamese soup, pho. Be sure to use this the next time you make caramelized onions - it really brings out the 'beefiness' of the onions.