Star Anise

Pho Bo

Authentic Vietnamese beef noodle soup made with aromatic spices and tender beef.

Vietnamese

Beef Rendang

Chop the spice paste ingredients and then blend it in a food processor until fine.

Malaysian

Pear Tarte Tatin

Core the pears, then peel as neatly as possible and halve. If you like, they can be prepared up to a day ahead and kept in the fridge, uncovered, so that they dry out.

French

Fish Stew with Rouille

Twist the heads from the prawns, then peel away the legs and shells, but leave the tails intact. Devein each prawn. Fry the shells in 1 tbsp oil for 5 mins, until dark pink and golden in patches. Add ...

French

Spicy Pickled Plums

These Spicy Pickled Plums make a delicious accompaniment to pork or lamb chops. The plums can be eaten with or without the skins.

Chocolate Semifreddo with Chile-Chocolate Sauce

The keys to a light, airy semifreddo that melts in your mouth? Just enough sugar to sweeten it and keep it soft in the freezer. Also, "gently folding and not overmixing," says Laiskonis. Go over the top by serving it with cinnamon whipped cream and chile-chocolate sauce (or use store- bought chocolate sauce).