Hi DD
I add 1/2 tsp ground fennel seeds to Blades Tikka Recipe. I used to add Star Anise but imo find the fennel seeds add that  essential liquorish after-taste to it

never quite sure how to respond to everyone in one message !  ;D , so here goes...

Mickbass, I will try that idea, as i make blades tikka most weeks. top notch !

Mikka, thanks for the tips , i totallly agree with that. adding these spices to spice mix makes good sense. for me its the way ahead. For the moment, i am keeping my base as plain as jane !

PaulP, i seem to remember the madras was good, although it does have coconut. still nice though. many of the lamb dishes were very good. i will post the exact recipies i liked tommorrow for you. its a classic book, good purchase. i still use mine regularly. I tweaked a few recipies to make them bir style, by grinding and slightly reducing the amount of whole spice, and increasing the oil content alot ! I ended up with a much smoother sauce than the version in the book. i will try to post this for you to try.