½ lemon, zest only
5 Conference pears, peeled
½ bunch thyme
75²µ/2¾´Ç³ú plain flour, sifted
1 bay leaf
½ tsp ground black peppercorns
100g/3½oz soft light brown sugar
225g/8oz caster sugar
365²µ/12½´Ç³ú caster sugar
50g/1¾oz sugar mixed with ground cinnamon
1 cinnamon stick
4 tbsp liquid glucose
vegetable oil, for deep fat frying
large pinch flaked sea salt
3 star anise
1 vanilla pod, split
250g/9oz dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces
250g/9oz salted butter, diced
300²µ/10½´Ç³ú butter, diced, at room temperature
185ml/6¾fl oz double cream
7 free-range eggs, plus 1 free-range egg yolk
1 pack pre-made filo pastry, you will need about 12 sheets
500ml/18fl oz apple juice