Though both star anise and anise seed share the word anise, they have little else in common and are rarely seen in the same recipes. Anise seed is most common in Mediterranean cooking, while star anise has a more Asian orientation. The two come together in this hot chocolate for a drink that’s loaded with spiced notes and perfect for a blustery day.

What to buy: For this recipe, use high-end chocolate, such as El Rey 41 percent milk chocolate.

  • Yield: 2 drinks
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Total: 20 mins
  • Active: 20 mins

Ingredients (5)

  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 3 star anise pods
  • 1/4 teaspoon anise seed
  • 5 ounces good-quality milk chocolate, coarsely chopped

Instructions

  1. Combine milk, cream, star anise, and anise seed in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook until simmering, about 6 minutes. Turn heat off, cover the saucepan, and let anise steep for 10 minutes. Strain milk mixture into another small saucepan to remove anise.
  2. Return milk to medium heat, add chocolate, and whisk until completely melted and well incorporated, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.