1 teaspoon anise seeds
1 1/2 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), chopped
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
3 (17- by 12-inch) phyllo sheets
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
chocolate, anise, straws

2 cups all purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) chilled margarine, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3/4 cup coarsely grated peeled fresh coconut (white part only)
2/3 cup unsweetened coconut milk*

Nonstick vegetable oil spray

coconut, bake,

For sauce
1 teaspoon tamarind concentrate*
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons mild honey
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon finely grated peeled fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
For shrimp
4 cups sweetened flaked coconut (10 oz)
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup beer (not dark)
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cayenne
1 large egg
6 cups vegetable oil
48 medium shrimp (1 1/2 lb), peeled, leaving tail and first segment of shell intact, and, if desired, deveined

Special equipment: a deep-fat thermometer

coconut, shrimp, tamarind