Five-spice mix

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp cinnamon
  
   or 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tbsp fennel seed
  
• 6 star anise
  
• 2 tsp Sichuan peppercorn
• 1 tsp whole clove

  Method

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Source: bbcgoodfood.com