Pineapple Fritters with Star Anise Maple Syrup

Ingredients

• Star Anise Syrup

  • 1 cup (250 ml) maple syrup
  • 6 star anise
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped

• Pineapple

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 g) pastry flour (see note)
  • 3 cups (90 g) crispy rice cereal (Rice Krispies-style)
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (250 ml) water
  • 1 pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into 6 rounds, each ½ inch (1.5 cm) thick
  • Vegetable oil, for frying