We used to buy it by the case loads from the Asian superstore, until we realized how easy it was to fabricate it at home. Yikes! That only means we are now consuming it more than ever!

Ingredients:
1-1/2 quarts canola oil
1 head of garlic
3-inch nub of ginger
star anise
coriander seeds
cinnamon sticks
black cardamom
green cardamom

Chili, roughly ground
At least 1/2 cup fresh Szechuan peppercorns, roughly ground
1 tbsp salt
2 tbsp soy sauce

Directions:
1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, over low heat, heat 1/4 cup of oil with garlic, ginger, and the spices until they start fizzing, making sure that they do not brown.
2. Add the rest of the oil and simmer on low heat for at least two hours until the oil is infused and fragrant.

3. Meanwhile, in large, steel mixing bowl, stir together the chilies, peppercorn, salt, and soy sauce. Set aside.

4. When the oil is aromatic, strain it through a sieve into the bowl of chilies.
5. The oil may start to foam, do not worry, this is good news.

6. Once cooled, store the chili oil in jars, making sure you ladle an equivalent amount of oil and chili into each jar.

The chili oil may be consumed immediately, though the oil will absorb more flavours if you wait a couple of days. Store in a cool, dark place.