---------- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.02

     Title: CHICKEN POACHED WITH STAR ANISE
Categories: Chicken, Low-fat
     Yield: 4 servings

     6 c  Water
 1 1/4 c  Soy sauce
 1 1/4 c  Chinese rice wine
          -or dry sherry
     1 c  Honey
     2 ts Salt
     4    Star anise
     1    Cinnamon stick
     2    Strips orange zest
     1    Chicken (3 1/2 to 4 lb)
          -skinned and trussed
          -if desired
     5    Scallions
          -whites left whole
          -greens finely chopped
          -for garnish
   1/4 c  Chopped cilantro
          -for garnish
     2 ts Sesame oil (opt)

 Combine all the ingredients except the chicken, sesame
 oil, and garnishes in a deep pot just large enough to
 hold the chicken. Bring to a boil. Add the chicken and
 simmer for 40-50 minutes, or until cooked, turning the
 bird form time to time to make sure it poaches evenly.
 Skim the mixture often with a shallow ladle to remove
 any fat that rises to the surface. The chicken is done
 when the juices run clear when a skewer is inserted
 into the thick part of the thigh.

 Drain the chicken, reserve the broth. Remove the
 trussing string; carve the chicken and cut it into
 pieces. Sprinkle with scallion greens and cilantro.
 Serve hot, at room temperature, or chilled.

 To serve, place chicken in shallow soup bowls with
 broth ladled over it. Sprinkle with chopped scallions
 and cilantro. Or brush the chicken pieces with sesame
 oil and brown them on the grill or under the broiler,
 then sprinkle with chopped scallions and cilantro.,

 Note: The broth can and should be reused. Strain it
 and let it cool to room temperature. Chill overnight
 in the refrigerator and skim off any fat that collects
 on the surface. Freeze into you're ready to use it
 again. To reuse, bring the broth to a boil, adding
 seasoning and water as necessary. The flavor improves
 each time you use it.

 High-Flavor, Low-Fat Cooking
 by Steven Raichlen
 ISBN 0-1402-4123-X
 pg 134

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