Can Star Anise Oil be used for baking?

Here's why:

* Strong, overwhelming flavor: Star anise oil is highly concentrated, making it difficult to use in baking without overwhelming the other flavors.

* Bitter notes: The oil can have a slightly bitter taste, which may not be desirable in baked goods.

* Safety concerns: Using too much star anise oil can be harmful, as it contains anethole, which can be toxic in large doses.

Instead of using star anise oil for baking, you can:

* Use whole star anise: Add a few whole star anise pods to your baking recipe and remove them before serving.

* Use star anise powder: Star anise powder is a convenient option that provides a strong, slightly licorice-like flavor.

* Use star anise extract: This is a concentrated flavoring that can be used in small amounts to add a touch of star anise flavor to your baked goods.

Remember to start with small amounts of star anise or its extracts, and adjust according to your taste preference.