Prepare the Sweet Potato Puree: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Wrap sweet potatoes in parchment-lined aluminum foil, and place over a bed of salt on a baking sheet; bake until soft, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Allow to cool.

Using a spoon, remove flesh into a bowl, and stir in 2 teaspoons of salt. Pass through a food mill, fitted with a fine disc, into a medium bowl. You'll need 1 cup of puree for the dumplings.

Form a well in center of puree. Add flour, egg, and sugar; mix until incorporated. Transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip; set aside.

Prepare the Poached Quince: In a medium saucepan, combine 6 cups water, sugar, star anise, and vanilla bean. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce to a simmer. Add quince, and cover with a parchment paper round; weight with a small heatproof plate to keep the quince submerged. Poach until tender, testing with a knife, about 30 minutes. Allow to cool.

When completely cooled, remove quince, and cut in half lengthwise. Discard poaching liquid. Remove core, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces; set aside.

Prepare the Fried Pine Nuts: Heat grapeseed oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat; add pine nuts, and toss continuously until browned. Add sugar and salt, tossing to coat. Drain on a paper towel. Allow to cool.

Just before serving, reheat Spiced Apple Cider. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; squeeze 1/2-inch long tubes of sweet potato mixture into water. Poach for 1 minute.