Pear Walnut Wontons

1. 1

   In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring water and sugar to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved.

2. 2

   Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla bean scrapings and orange liqueur.

3. 3

   Place pears in the bowl of a food processor and process until finely chopped, stopping to scrape down the bowl if necessary.

4. 4

   Add the sugar syrup and pulse just until combined.

5. 5

   Transfer the pears to a bowl and stir in the walnuts.

6. 6

   Place the mixture in the refrigerator to cool completely, approximately 1 hour.

7. 7

   The filling may be made up to 1 day ahead of time.

8. 8

   Heat oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven to 360 degrees F.

9. 9

   To form the dumplings, remove 1 wonton wrapper from the package, covering the others with a damp cloth.

10. 10

    Brush the edges of the wrapper lightly with water.

11. 11

    Place 1 teaspoon of the pear mixture in the center of the wrapper.

12. 12

    Fold over the edges, seal, and shape as desired.

13. 13

    Set on a sheet pan and cover with a damp cloth.

14. 14

    Repeat procedure until all of the filling is gone.

15. 15

    Gently place the wontons in the oil, 7 to 8 at a time.

16. 16

    Fry until golden, approximately 2 minutes.

17. 17

    Remove to a cooling rack set in a sheet pan lined with newspaper and let cool at least 5 minutes before serving.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.