1.   For the sauce, the red cabbage is sliced thin, simmered with allspice, star anise, ginger and two wines, and then pureed.

2.   If you cannot find or are unwilling to search for the banana blossom, substitute very thinly sliced cabbage.

3.   Remove cores and slice the cabbage thinly.

4.   Starting at the end opposite the base, slice the cabbage into thin ribbons.