Chocolate Beignets

Description
Serves 4 to 6 People


 * Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

Ingredients

 * oil for frying

Starter

 * ½ cup flour
 * ¼ cup sugar
 * ¾ cup milk
 * 2 tablespoons yeast

Dough

 * 3 cups flour
 * 4 eggs
 * 5 oz butter
 * 3 teaspoons salt
 * ¼ pound milk chocolate

Orange sugar

 * zest from 2 oranges

Starter

 * 1) Combine milk, sugar and yeast in a mixing bowl and let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature, covered.
 * 2) Whisk in the flour and allow this to sit tor 30 to 40 minutes, covered.
 * 3) The starter will rise and double in volume

Dough

 * 1) Put the starter into the bowl of a mixer with a dough hook and add the flour and salt.
 * 2) Mix on low speed for 3 minutes and then add the eggs one at a time to form dough.
 * 3) Increase the speed to medium and add the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time.
 * 4) Allow this to mix on medium high for 12 minutes until a smooth and shiny ball has formed.
 * 5) Lightly cover with oil and leave covered in a bowl for a couple hours at room temperature to rise.
 * 6) Punch the dough down and lightly flour a work surface to roll out the dough to a thickness of ¼ Inch.
 * 7) Cut out 1½ inch circles of dough and place on a clean sheet tray. If not using right away, these may be stored in the refrigerator overnight.
 * 8) When ready to cook, place a ½ oz. piece of chocolate in the middle of 8 circles and lightly brush the edges of the circles with water.
 * 9) Top each circle with another dough circle and lightly press together.
 * 10) Fry at 350 °F, turning beignets while cooking until golden brown.
 * 11) Drain on paper towels.
 * 12) Allow to cool slightly and dust with orange sugar.

Orange sugar

 * 1) Dehydrate the orange zest in dehydrator or in an oven with a pilot light on.
 * 2) Pulverize in a spice or coffee grinder and mix with equal amount of sugar.