CINNAMON SUGAR DOUGHNUT BITES

Doughnut bites are an easy alternative to frying up full-size doughnuts at home: no deep-fryer required, just a simple one-bowl batter that comes together within minutes. However, it is important to use a thermometer to keep a consistent temperature and ensure the doughnut bites cook evenly. Similar to dipping churros in a warm chocolate sauce, these doughnut bites taste great dipped in Red Wine Hot Chocolate.

Canola oil for frying

1/4 cup (60 mL) unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup (125 mL) packed light brown sugar 1 large egg, whisked

1 tsp (5 mL) pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup (125 mL) whole milk

1 1/2 cups (375 mL) all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp (2 mL) fine salt

2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder

1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground nutmeg

Cinnamon sugar (1 cup/250 mL sugar

+ 2 tbsp/30 mL ground cinnamon) for rolling

1 Fit a heavy-bottomed pot with a deep-fry or candy thermometer and pour in oil to come 2 inches (5 cm) up side of pot. Heat oil over medium heat until thermometer reaches 350°F (177°C).

2 As oil heats up, prepare batter. In a mixing bowl, whisk together butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla and milk until well-blended.

3 Sift in flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir until batter comes together.

4 When oil reaches 350°F (177°C), spoon in batter, using heaping 1 tbsp (15 mL) per doughnut. Make 3 or 4 doughnut bites at a time. For evenly sized doughnuts, use a 3/4 to 1 oz ice cream scoop. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

5 Use a slotted spoon to remove doughnut bites and transfer to a plate lined with paper towel. Roll in cinnamon sugar while doughnuts are still warm. Repeat until no more batter remains.

Makes 16 to 20 doughnut bites