I have seen recipes require ground star anise.

Do you grind the shell or the actual seeds or both?  Is the flavour not just in the husk?

Used properly a decent knife should not need sharpening very often at all - just honing as already described.

Quote from: h4ppy-chris on November 13, 2012, 09:10 PM

Quote from: natterjak on November 13, 2012, 03:32 PM

Quote from: h4ppy-chris on November 11, 2012, 01:42 PM
i use one of theses to put the edge on the knife, then a diamond coated steel just to re- fresh when needed.
these are sold on ebay about a fiver, when you drag your knife across the V do it very lite it puts a razor sharp edge on.
i have Global knife sharpener (35 quid) not been used for 2 year  :

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Worlds-Best-Selling-Global-Knife-Sharpener-Brand-New-2-Blade-/181008552931?pt=UK_Kitchen_Accessories&hash=item2a24f353e3

Thanks for the tip Chris, bought one from that eBay link and it arrived today. I've been able to put a new edge on my chef's knives today and it's probably the easiest sharpener I've ever used. My main knife which I use all the time for things like cutting onions for curries was starting to get a bit dull lately, so you might've saved me from having a slipped knife accident. My fingers thank you 

and for so little moneys ;D
if anyone buys one DO NOT PRESS HARD ON THE KNIFE LIGHTLY WINS 

For 6.69 delivered I will try it out on some cheap knives and / or the garden shears. I don't think I will be putting my best Wustoff or Kai Shun through it though  ;D

Mmm  aloo chaat sounds good

Interested to know how and for what you guys use this finger licking powder for.

I am sure i do not use it enough or properly as it is only occasionally used as a tasty sprinkle here on snacks.

.....and BIR standard is not always what we are after. As some BIRs are sh1te. : :

Well as a noobie to the forum I can but say that I think it is excellent. Like others ( being nearer to the ton in years than the starting point ) I have been making 'curry' for many a year. Now retired, early I am happy and priviledged to say,  I have time to prepare gravies, pre cook chicken, sod about on informative forums etc etc.

The banter? Ok it will sometimes boil over ( splatter  ;D ) but often due to the misinterpretation of the typed word and, especially considering the demographics of this particular member base, different nationalities and first language, will always create issues but hey guys - put that aside and scoff yer ruby in the knowledge that you will never achieve perfection. Those that 'do' will undoubtedly, like me, be brought back to curry basics by their next over enthusiastic attempt that goes drastically wrong.

Blimey , deep post for me, almost wine time so adios for now.

Hahaha. So many suggestions. Which way to go? Just have to try them all.

Mine have arrived and I am so impressed with them that I have ordered four more! I have even waxed up the handles and they look great . He has a couple more sets on there still.

Quote from: Salvador Dhali on November 21, 2012, 03:29 PM

Quote from: RubyDoo on November 21, 2012, 03:01 PM
Get yourself a Krupps F203
VERY good and reliable.

Yep - that is indeed the model in the link above. An excellent grinder:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Krups-Twin-Blade-Coffee-Mill/dp/B00004SPEU/ref=pd_cp_kh_0

Sorry. I did not read your post again as i saw it a few days ago. Forgot you had already linked it.