Toast the 3 pods star anise, 20 whole cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 tablespoon Sichuan pepper, 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, ½ teaspoon cumin seeds and ½ teaspoon white peppercorns together, either in a hot pan or in a toaster oven, being careful not to burn them. You'll know they're done when they start giving off a wonderful aroma.
