3 ouzo spiced Recipes

whole almonds, divided, ouzo (unsweetened anise liqueur) or pernod, unbleached all purpose flour, whole star anise,* finely ground in spice mill or in mortar with pestle (about 1-3/4 tsp ground), baking powder, fine sea salt, eggs, separated, sugar, extra-light olive oil or 1/2 cup regular olive oil mixed with 1/2 cup sunflower oil, plain whole-milk yogurt, available in the spice section of some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and asian markets.

pears, cored and peeled but stems intact, sugar, cinnamon, grated nutmeg, ground fennel, black pepper, raisins, ouzo, butter, sheet puff pastry, cut into 6 rectangles, egg , lightly beaten together with, water