Oranges With Star Anise Thai Style Recipes

ORANGES WITH STAR ANISE THAI-STYLE

Steps:

• Combine the water, sugar and star anise pods in a medium saucepan.
• Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
• Simmer the liquid until it is reduced to a generous 1 cup. This will take about 15 minutes.
• Remove pan from heat and stir in the orange blossom flower water. Remove star anise and set aside.
• Cover liquid and chill until cold.
• Use a sharp knife and cut off the orange peel and white pith.
• Slice oranges crosswise into 1/3" rounds. Set the oranges slices on a platter and pour the syrup over them.
• Garnish with the fresh mint. (If desired, garnish the fruit with the star anise that was set aside).

TRADITIONAL THAI ICED TEA WITH STAR ANISE

Steps:

• Bring 1/2 gallon of cold water to a boil. Add 8 finely crushed star anise pods, 1 teaspoon orange blossom water, the scrapings of 1 vanilla pod or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, a pinch each of ground cloves and ground cinnamon, and 1/2 cup Chinese black tea leaves.
• Boil for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup sugar and a few drops of red food coloring (optional, though traditional). Cover, steeping until tepid.
• Strain & place in the refriderator for a few hours to really chill.
• Pour the tea over plenty of crushed ice. Top with half-and-half or sweetened condensed milk.

CHILLI ORANGE DUCK

Steps:

• Scrub the oranges well, cut the rind from 2 oranges, using a sharp knife, and trim off most of the pith.
• Cut the rind into short, thin strips.
• Squeeze the juice from the oranges, you need 250ml.
• Combine the orange rind and juice, sugar, ginger, chilli, star anise, cinnamon sticks, sweet chilli sauce, fish sauce, vinegar and red wine in a saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring.
• Boil for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly syrupy.
• Prick the duck skin well, and heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan.
• Add the duck breasts and sear, skin side down for 8 minutes or till brown.
• Then turn and cook for another 8 minutes.
• Remove the duck and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Cut the spring onions into finger lengths, then into strips.
• Slice the duck thickly, arrange on warmed plates and scatter with spring onion shreds.
• Spoon the sauce over the top.
• Serve with rice or noodles.