Step 1
Combine the water, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, cinnamon, and star anise in a pot, and bring it to a boil. Peel the pears, cut them in half, and remove their cores. Poach them in the poaching liquid until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the pears and allow them to drain on paper towels.
Step 2
In a bowl, stir the walnuts with the honey and orange zest until combined. Spoon the mixture into the hollows of the pears. Cut the puff pastry into 6 rectangles. Place each pear half on a rectangle with the hollow side facing down. Cut around the pear, brush it with syrup, and sprinkle it with sugar.
Step 3
Bake in a 180°C (350°F) oven until golden, about 25 minutes. Serve garnished with mint leaves and a dusting of icing sugar.
ADVERTISEMENT
