Miscellaneous with anise

1 clove garlic ½ tbsp ginger ½ whole Thai bird chili 1 stem fresh thyme ¼ stalk fresh lemongrass 1 each star anise ¼ cup sake ¼ cup soy sauce ¾ cup cold water[...]

FOR THE CAKE 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature, for the pan 1 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour One 12-ounce bottle (1 1/4 cups)[...]

10 very fresh or 20 quail eggs Tea Cooking Mixture : 3 tablespoons light soy sauce (I use 4 tablespoons, adjust to taste) 3 tablespoons Shaoxing rice wine 1[...]

1 x gressingham duck (whole)     sunflower oil for deepfrying 4 c. Thai (jasmine) rice     spring onions minced to serve (optional)     for braising the duck:[...]