Five Spice Sugar Food

FIVE-SPICE SNICKERDOODLES

Steps:

• Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 400˚. Whisk the flour, cream of tartar, 1/2 teaspoon each five-spice powder and cinnamon, the baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.
• Beat the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time until combined. Beat in the vanilla, then reduce the speed to low and beat in the flour mixture until combined.
• Mix the red sanding sugar and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon each five-spice powder and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll the dough into balls (about 2 tablespoons each), then roll them in the red sugar. Arrange 3 inches apart on 2 unlined baking sheets.
• Bake, switching the pans halfway through, until the cookies spread, crackle in the centers and are lightly golden around the edges, 9 to 12 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes on the pans, then remove the cookies to racks to cool completely.

FIVE-SPICE POWDER

Steps:

• Toast cassia, star anise, cloves, sand ginger (if using), Sichuan peppercorns, licorice root, black peppercorns, and white peppercorns (if using) in a small skillet over medium, tossing once, until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Let cool; grind to a powder in spice mill or coffee grinder.
• Do Ahead: Five-Spice Powder can be made 1 month ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

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 PECANS

Steps:

• In a large nonstick skillet, cook pecans over medium heat until toasted, about 4 minutes. Add the brown sugar, syrup and five-spice powder. Cook and stir for 2-4 minutes or until sugar is melted. Spread on foil to cool. Store in an airtight container.

5 SPICE SUGAR

Steps:

• For a gift: Layer in a 1/3-1/2 C clear, narrow jar.
• To use: Stir spices and shake on what ever you like.

SPICY GINGER SUNDAES WITH FIVE-SPICE CRISPS

Steps:

• Divide the ice cream between two bowls or sundae glasses. Top with the ginger caramel and coconut chips. Add the crisps to the edge of each bowl or glass and finish each with a dollop of whipped cream. Dive in.
• Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the ginger and sambal and cook for a minute to release the flavor. Add the coconut sugar, cream and salt. Cook while whisking gently until thick and smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Use warm or cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Mix the sugar and five-spice powder together in a small bowl.
• Add the tortillas to a sheet pan and brush the tops with half of the melted butter. Sprinkle the tortillas with half of the sugar mixture. Flip and repeat with the remaining butter and sugar mixture.
• Bake until very crisp and golden, 15 to 17 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Break apart and eat as a snack or with your favorite ice cream.

FIVE-SPICE PECAN

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°. In a medium saucepan, warm 4 teaspoons vegetable oil over medium-low heat. Add 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar, 4 teaspoons water, 1 1/2 teaspoons five-spice powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; stir until sugar dissolves and mixture bubbles. Add 2 cups pecan halves; cook, stirring, until pecans are thickly coated, about 3 minutes. Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Bake until fragrant and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool completely.

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.

CHINESE 5-SPICE COOKIES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350ºF.
• Combine flour, five-spice powder, baking soda and dry pudding mix. Beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy. Blend in egg. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing well after each addition.
• Drop tablespoonfuls of dough, 2 inches apart, onto baking sheets.
• Bake 10 to 12 min. or until edges of cookies are lightly browned. Cool 1 min. on baking sheets. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.
• Whisk powdered sugar, water and extract until blended; brush onto cookies. Sprinkle with nuts.

FIVE SPICE MUFFINS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 12 cup and a 6 cup muffin pan.
• In a large bowl, stir together zucchini and boiling water.
• In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, sunflower seeds, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, and nutmeg.
• Blend eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract with the zucchini. Stir the zucchini mixture into the flour mixture. Spoon into the prepared muffin pans.
• Bake 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.