STAR ANISE

STAR ANISE comes by its name honestly, with its star shape and a licorice taste similar to regular anise, only stronger. Star anise is the seedpod of an evergreen tree grown in southwestern China and Japan. Star anise and anise are not botanically related; however, each has the distinctive licorice flavor. Because star anise is less expensive to produce and has much the same flavor it has almost totally replaced the use of the anise seed in the West, 

PINCH OF WISDOM

Following Christ can be expensive. His followers often must sacrifice jobs, homes and even families. God often calls us to make difficult decisions even in our everyday life. For some forgiveness may be an issue; for others our jobs and how we spend our money can be the concern. Many people appear to be Christians much like the star anise that appears to be a form of anise. Like the star anise, some people carry the name and have much the same flavor but are only a less expensive facsimile of the real thing

TASTE OF SCRIPTURE

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Mark 8:34

RECIPE OF THE DAY

Spicy Simmering Potpourri

3 1/2 cups anise star, whole,1 3/4 cups allspice, whole,1 3/4 cups orange peel,1 3/4 cups juniper berries,1 3/4 nutmeg, whole,1 3/4 cups cloves, whole,3 1/2 cups cinnamon chips,1 3/4 cups lemon peel,3 1/2 cups rosehips,3 handfuls bay leaves, whole

Add drops of oil fragrances such as French vanilla, old world spice and vanilla . Start by adding about 5 drops, mix into potpourri; add more to liking. Makes 24 cupsDirections: Add 2-3 Tbs. of the potpourri mixture in a simmer pot or simmer in two cups of water on stove top.