Is it sweet or hot? Surprising or comforting?

Crisped onions, garlic, flaked chilies teased with brown sugar, ginger, soy, anise … whatever spice you like.

Creamy sauces, cheese, toothy bread become more with a drizzle of this stuff. Keep in the fridge for two weeks, but you’ll use it up by then.

Try it, adjust the sweetness or saltiness as you like.

Stir these first ingredients on medium until light brown. A bit of the sugar can be added to speed this up, but keep stirring.

1/2 cup canola  

1/4 cup minced onions

1 tsp ground ginger powder

1/8 to 1/4 cup minced garlic

1 tsp salt, preferably kosher

Remove from heat. Add the rest of the ingredients. Stir and taste, adjust if you like and let it sit until cool.

1/3 cup flaked red chili pepper 

2 tsp to 1 tbsp soy sauce

3 Tbsp sesame seeds, raw or toasted     

1-2 tsp sesame oil

2 tsp sugar, probably more.

Enjoy!