Need Definition

[LCHICK]

What is contained in five spice powder? I know it is an oriental type seasoning. I've more or less made up my own...ginger, mustard, allspice, cinnamon....and ???? Thanks....

[Ralph]

According to Epicurious & Cook's Thesaurus (switcheroo.com), five-spice powder is equal parts of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise, and szechuan peppercorns, all ground. While the Global Gourmet (www.globalgourmet.com) has the following recipe, but unfortunately, doesn't say how much it makes!:

Chinese Five-Spice Powder
2 Tbs. whole black peppercorns
36 whole cloves
12 inches of stick cinnamon
2 Tbs. fennel seed
12 whole star anise
Put spices together into a blender and pulverize into a powder. Store in a cool place in an air-tight container.

Hope this helps. Don't know where you're located, but many larger grocery stores have it in the spice section. Or you may try Asian markets.

[LCHICK]

Ralph,

Thanks so for the input and the great new web site...I suppose the recipe you gave me would be spicier by far than the one I made up...I'll try it out and let you know how we like it...thanks again...Linda
PS...I am in Southern California...and have scoured Vons and Stater Brothers...It's more fun to make my own anyway.....

[RBrian]

I just purchased Five Spice Powder for a BBQ'd ribs recipe... I found it in the Asian/Ethnic food section (the brand is Asian Gourmet). It's ingredients are:Cinnamon, Anise, Fennel, ginger, Clove, Licorice Root. Hope that helps!