DUMPLING DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, stir together the soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and star anise and bring them to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring so that the sugar dissolves. Once it does, remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool. Discard the star anise before serving.
• This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator indefinitely and can also be multiplied, though you'll want to start with slightly less vinegar and adjust to taste.