Five-Spice Powder

A powerful mixture of anise, pepper, cinnamon, fennel seed, and cloves, we owe Chinese cuisine for this spicy representation of the five basic tastes: salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and savory. Ratios and exact blends vary depending on who you ask, and every cook seems to have their own family recipe, so go ahead and tweak until it pleases your palate. Most grocery stores will stock the seasoning in the spice aisle, but here’s how I like to mix mine up at home.