2 pounds (1 kilogram) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

2 cups milk

6 whole star anise

1/4 cup butter

Salt to taste

Cover potatoes in cold, salted water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Simmer until cooked through. Drain.

Pour milk into a large pot and add star anise. Bring to a boil. Turn heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes or until milk is reduced to about 1 cup. Discard star anise.

Mash potatoes. Mix in anise milk and butter and season with salt to taste. Serves 6.