Star of Anise Creme Anglaise

Yield: 2 cups

INGREDIENTS:

4 whole star of anise

1 cup whole milk

1 cup whipping cream

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 egg yolks

DIRECTIONS:

Place star of anise in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until brown, about 5 minutes. Add milk, cream, 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla and bring to just under a boil then remove from heat. Whisk egg yolks and remaining 1/4 cup sugar in another bowl. Slowly whisk in all of the hot milk mixture with egg mixture then return mixture to the original saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until custard thickens.  Don’t boil. Cover and chill until cold, about an hour. Strain into medium pitcher. Serve with chocolate souffle.