Pear Walnut Wontons

Directions

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.