Citrus Salad with Star Anise Syrup

1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
3 whole star anise
5 large ruby red or pink grapefruit
4 blood oranges

Dissolve sugar in water in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring. Add star anise and simmer 5 minutes. Let stand off heat 30 minutes.

Cut peel, including white pith, from fruit with a sharp knife. Cut segments free from membranes into a bowl. Squeeze juice from membranes into bowl.

Add syrup with star anise to fruit and juice and stir gently. Remove star anise before serving if desired.


Cooks’ note: Citrus salad can be made 1 day ahead and chilled.

- epicurious.com