XO Sauce

1. Place dried shrimp in a medium bowl; add enough water to cover by at least 1 inch. Repeat process with scallops; let stand overnight.

2. Drain dried shrimp and scallops; discard liquid and coarsely chop each. Transfer shrimp to bowl of a food processor; pulse until finely chopped. Set aside. Repeat process with scallops, bacon and sausage; set each aside.

3. Heat 1 cup canola oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots and cook, stirring, until soft and translucent, about 30 seconds. Add crushed red pepper flakes and cook 1 minute more. Add garlic, ginger, star anise and cinnamon; stir to combine.

4. Increase heat to high; season with salt and add soy sauce. Add sausage, bacon, shrimp and scallops, stirring after each addition. Add remaining 1/2 cup oil; reduce heat to low and simmer until oil is infused, about 30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.

5. Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to an airtight container. XO sauce may be kept refrigerated, up to 1 month.