Five Spice Blend Food

HOW TO MAKE FIVE-SPICE POWDER

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• In a dry skillet or wok, toast the Sichuan peppercorns by shaking the pan over low to medium heat until the aroma of the peppercorns is released. This will take around 3 minutes.
• Grind the toasted peppercorns and the star anise in a blender, pepper mill, or spice grinder .
• Pass the blended seasonings through a fine-mesh strainer so you are left with an even consistency.
• Mix in the ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground fennel seeds.
• Place the mixture back into the blender, mill, or spice grinder and grind the spices until very fine.
• Store in an airtight container and keep in a dark, cool space until use.

FIVE SPICE

Steps:

• Place a small skillet over medium heat. Add spices and toast, stirring, until fragrant, 2 to 4 minutes. Pour into a small bowl and set aside to cool. If using the whole spices for a braise, they are ready to go.
• To make the spices into a powder, use a spice grinder, clean coffee grinder, or mortar and pestle to grind the spices until fine. If you like, you can strain the mix through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any coarse bits, but this is optional. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

FIVE-SPICE POWDER

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in blender or coffee grinder.
• Blend until finely ground.
• Store in airtight container.
• Keeps up to 2 months.
• Note: You could"roast" the whole spices a bit for a more intense flavor in a dry frying pan-- Watch closely to prevent spices from burning.

FIVE-SPICE BLEND

Steps:

• Toast the peppercorns in a hot pan until they are aromatic, about 1 minute. Put into an electric spice grinder along with the star anise, cloves and fennel seeds and process into a powder. Add the cinnamon and process for a few seconds to combine. Store in an airtight jar.

FIVE-SPICE MIX

Steps:

• Toast the whole spices in a small pan until they are aromatic and have turned a shade or two darker. Don't be tempted to skip this stage, as it really enhances the flavours.
• Tip into a spice grinder (or use a pestle and mortar), then add the ready-ground spices and dried herbs if required, and crush to a fine powder. Store in a sealed jar for up to six months.