Cayenne is one of my personal favorite spices to cook with. When I cook steaks, I'm a fan of putting some cayenne on the steak before I put it into whatever marinade I'm using for it. I also like putting Cayenne with various other meats. (Cayenne + Garlic is probably one of my favorite spice combinations, ahaha)

I've yet to try it with a dish that consists of sautee'd veggies, though. 

I have never heard of Star Anise before this. It seems interesting.