Anise Boiled Peanuts

From Yahoo group.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Yields: 2 cups

Ingredients

• 2  cups raw peanuts, without shell
• 3 1⁄2 cups water
• 5  whole star anise
• 4  teaspoons szechwan pepper
• 4  tablespoons soy sauce
• 2  inches  piece  fresh gingerroot (unpeeled, cut into 3 or 4 pieces)
• 1  teaspoon  sesame oil
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon  hot pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. It is not necessary to remove the red skins from the peanuts. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed.
3. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Will keep for several days in the refrigerator.