This is a good way to begin a three-course meal: Baked Washington apples in a reduction of cider and cinnamon, with star anise added for flavor.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Place all the ingredients in a 9 inch glass pie pan.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Remove from oven and place anise pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves and liquid into a saucepan.
Place saucepan over high heat and boil until sauce is reduced by 50 percent.
Divide cooked apples equally between six serving dishes.
Pour the sauce over the apples.
Garnish with star anise.