Five Spice Chinese Pancakes Recipes

Steps:

• NOTE: SOME FIVE-SPICE RECIPES WILL HAVE YOU TOAST THE WHOLE FENNEL AND STAR ANISE FIRST. YOU MAY DO THIS, BUT I GENERALLY PREFER NOT TO FOR A CLEAN, FRESH FLAVOR. HOWEVER, IF USING THE SPICE SPECIFICALLY FOR BARBECUED MEATS OR PHO SOUP, I RECOMMEND LIGHTLY TOASTING THEM FIRST IN A DRY SKILLET OVER MEDIUM HEAT FOR A SMOKY FLAVOR BEFORE THE FINAL GRINDING. YOU MAY SUBSTITUTE THE SZECHUAN PEPPERCORN WITH WHITE PEPPER, WHICH IS A POPULAR BLEND FOR USE IN CHINESE COOKERY. KEEP IN MIND -- "A LITTLE BIT OF FIVE SPICE POWDER GOES A LONG WAY". WHEN SEASONING FOODS, START WITH A SMALL AMOUNT, THEN ADJUST ACCORDINGLY.
• MEASURE all ingredients into a clean spice mill or coffee grinder, whether whole or ground, using pre-ground cinnamon as the only exception: 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon cloves, 1 tablespoon fennel, 1 tablespoon star anise, 1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorn.
• GRIND mixture in a clean spice mill or coffee grinder in 15-30 second increments, until mixture is finely powderized.
• Store in an airtight container.
• Use measure-for-measure in any recipe calling for Chinese Five Spice powder.

Steps:

• Place flour, five spice powder, and chives (optional) in a medium bowl.
• Combine milk, margarine, and egg in a separate bowl.
• Add milk mixture to the flour mixture, stirring with a whisk until blended.
• Cover and chill for an hour.
• Place an 8-inch crepe pan or nonstick skillet pan coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat until hot.
• Remove pan from heat and pour scant 1/4 cup of batter into pan; quickly tilt pan in all directions so batter covers the bottom of pan.
• Place pan back on burner and cook about 1 minute.
• Carefully lift edge of pancake with a spatula to test for doneness. The pancake will be ready to turn when it can be shaken loose from the pan and the underside is lightly browned.
• Turn pancake over, cook other side for about 30 seconds.
• Place the pancake on a plate and cool. Repeat until all of the batter is used. Stack pancakes between single layers of wax paper to prevent pancakes from sticking.

Steps:

• Toast the whole spices in a small pan until they are aromatic and have turned a shade or two darker. Don't be tempted to skip this stage, as it really enhances the flavours.
• Tip into a spice grinder (or use a pestle and mortar), then add the ready-ground spices and dried herbs if required, and crush to a fine powder. Store in a sealed jar for up to six months.