MOCHA SALTED CARAMEL BEIGNETS RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Make the beignet dough: In a 4-cup measuring cup, whisk together 1½ cups of milk, the sugar, and yeast. Set in a warm place for 10 minutes, until the yeast blooms and the mixture is foamy.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, cinnamon, and 6 tablespoons cocoa powder.
• In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup of milk and the instant espresso powder until the espresso is dissolved.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
• Add the egg mixture and the espresso-milk mixture to the yeast mixture and whisk until combined.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until it comes together and is no longer sticky, about 10 minutes. Transfer the dough to a clean large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let proof in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours. Alternatively, transfer the dough to the refrigerator and let proof slowly overnight, or for up to 24 hours.
• While the dough proofs, make the salted caramel: Add the sugar to a small saucepan and cook over medium heat, swirling the pan occasionally, but not stirring, until it starts to turn amber brown, 4-5 minutes. Add the butter and whisk until incorporated, 1-2 minutes. Slowly drizzle in the cream and whisk to combine. Boil for 1 minute, then remove the pot from the heat. Whisk in the vanilla and flaky salt. Transfer to an airtight container, straining through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps, if needed, then refrigerate to thicken and cool completely before using, about 1 hour.
• Fry the beignets: Heat the peanut oil in a 6-quart pot over medium-high heat to 360°F (182°C). Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set a wire rack on top.
• In a small bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and remaining 2 tablespoons cocoa powder.
• Turn the beignet dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to a 12-inch square, about ¼-inch-thick. Trim the edges, then cut into 16 3-inch squares, discarding any scraps.
• Working 3-4 at a time, fry the beignets in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes on each side, until slightly darker in color around the edges. Remove from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Immediately dust with the powdered sugar mixture, then repeat with the remaining beignets.
• Transfer the salted caramel into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
• Using the tip of a small knife, poke a hole in the side of each beignet and slowly fill with the caramel.
• Arrange the beignets on a platter and serve immediately.
• Enjoy!
• RECIPE BY: Breana Jackson