Chinese 5 Spice Blend

Ingredients:
Cassia bark, szechuan pepper, cloves whole, fennel seeds, star anise [25g].

Quick & Easy:
Stir fry Chicken breasts, prawns or vegetables with Chinese 5 spice and salt and pepper.

Authentic:
Sweet Potato Wedges (Serves 4):

1 ½ lbs of sweet potato unpeeled; 2 tbsp olive oil; salt and pepper to taste; ½ tsp Chinese 5 spice, ½ tsp Sweet Paprika.

Preheat Oven to 200C. Cut sweet potatoes lengthwise into 1/2- to 2/3-inch wedges; place in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil; toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, Chinese 5 Spice blend, and sweet paprika powder; toss well. Arrange wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Bake at 200°C for 20-30 minutes or until tender and golden, turning after 10 minutes.

Cooking to Impress:
Chinese Pork Stir Fry (Serves 4):
400g Pork loin steaks cut into strips; 1 tbsp oil; 1 Onion, 1 Red pepper, 1 Green Pepper; 1 level tbsp Chinese 5 spice, 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 250g rice, Spring onions (optional)

Heat the oil in a wok or deep-frying pan and stir fry the pork and onion for 4-5 minutes.

Add the peppers, Chinese 5 Spice and soy sauce and stir fry for a further 3 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through.

Meanwhile, cook the rice according to the packet instructions. Serve the rice immediately in large bowls, topped with the pork stir fry and top it off with chopped fresh spring onions.

Hints & Tips:
1. Stir Fry mushrooms with Chinese 5 spice and salt and pepper.
2. It makes a wonderful dry rub for duck or chicken.