3 parsnips, peeled and cut into 2cm/1in thick rounds
4 banana shallots, cut into 2cm/1in thick rounds
1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into 2cm/1in thick rounds
1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon leaves
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
plain flour, for dusting
2 bay leaf
salt and freshly ground black pepper
100²µ/3½´Ç³ú caster sugar
1 tsp fennel seeds
2 tbsp olive oil
50–100ml/2–3½fl oz sherry vinegar, to taste
1 star anise
10 walnuts, halved
100²µ/3½´Ç³ú unsalted butter
150g/5½oz soft blue cheese, crumbled
500g/1oz 2oz ready-made puff pastry