Hi, I am hoping someone can help me out - I decided to make my Husband some aniseed caramels for Easter (I hate the stuff and he loves it so it is something special for me to make him) anyway I have just done a ring around of our local cake shops and none of them stock aniseed extract or flavouring.

Does anyone know if there is a way to make it in a hurry or if there is somewhere I can purchase it online and have it express posted to me? I realize that by purchasing it online I am still pushing my luck to get it in time as I need in in the next two days.I am in Victoria, Australia.

Thank you.

You should be able to grind some whole Star Anise. If you don't have a grinder, pop then in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin, or try a processor.

It takes 4 months to make extract, but you could also try soaking some in boiling water to get the flavour out in a hurry.

Hmm - might try infusing some warm oil with star anise and see what I get. I just figured I would go down to the kitchen shop and get some but apparently no one stocks it - lol I can kind of understand that, nasty stuff in my opinion.

Thankyou for your reply.

Go to the supermarket and buy some aniseed flavouring from the baking section.

Thanks Cazza - they don't stock it though - I tried a couple and couldn't get it there.