Honey Donuts

Method

1. To make honey syrup, place honey and water into a small saucepan. Scrape the vanilla seeds into the pan and add the remaining vanilla and cinnamon stick.
2. Bring liquid to the boil, remove from heat, and place in a bowl in the fridge to cool until required.
3. Place the lukewarm water and yeast into a large bowl, add 1 tablespoon of plain flour, and whisk together until well combined. Place aside into a warm area for 30 to 40 minutes or until a froth forms.
4. Transfer the yeast mixture into a bowl. Add all remaining ingredients (sugar, salt, vanilla paste) and beat on a medium speed until well combined and there are no lumps.
5. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and place in a warm area for 1 – 1 ½ hrs or until the dough doubles in size.
6. Pre-heat oil to 180 degrees Celsius in an electric fryer or a heavy-based saucepan over a medium-high heat.
7. To form the doughnuts, cover one hand in cold oil (this stop the dough from sticking to your hands) and squeeze a small amount of dough into your palms. Using a dessert spoon, scrape the dough from your hand and drop it gently into the hot oil, one at a time.
8. Fry the dough balls in batches, turning occasionally, for 2 – 3 minutes each, or until the donut balls are puffy and golden in colour and cooked through.
9. Remove the donuts from the fryer, toss in the cold honey syrup, remove from the syrup, and then toss in popcorn.
10. Beat the Nutella until smooth and runny, then drizzle over the donuts and enjoy!