Chinese Five-Spice Powder

A fragrant blend of cinnamon, anise, cloves, fennel and black pepper, five spice is a favorite in “red cooking,” a slow-cooking style native to China. Meats are first browned, then braised in a liquid of soy sauce and sugar. Chinese five spice is carefully blended to bring traditional Chinese flavor to a wide range of dishes, from sweet to savory. Used sparingly, it gives foods a distinct sweet-and-pungent flavor. Chinese cooks prize five spice for the unique flavor it lends to braised meats, roast poultry and barbecued dishes.