Sugared Chocolate Beignets

Prep : 1 hour + freezing time  ... Makes 32 Beignets

These gourmet doughnuts can be prepared ahead , requiring only a quick baking once your guests arrive.

INGREDIENTS :
2 ... tablespoons corn syrup
1/2 ..cup heavy cream
4 ... ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate
2 ... sheets (17 oz. total) cold thawed puff pastry dough
1 ... large egg
1/2 ... cup sugar

PREPARATION :

1 . combine corn syrup and heavy cream in a microwave-safe container . Heat in 30-second intervals until boiling . Put chocolate in bowl and pour hot cream on top . Stir chocolate until smooth , then chill, stirring often , until firm , about 20 minutes .

2 . Meanwhile , line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper . On a lightly floured surface with a lightly floured rolling pin , roll each pastry dough sheetinto a 12-inch square . Cut each square into 16 smaller squares and tranfer to a baking sheet .

3. In a bowl , lightly whisk egg and 1 tabkespoon water to blend , then brush over pastry squares . Spoon about 1 teaspoon chocolate into the center of each square . Fold 1 corner of each square over to meet the opposite corner , forming a triangle . Press edges to seal . Use a 2-1/2-inch round cutter to trim corners of triangle and form a shape that resembles a three -quarter moon . Wrap trays with plastic wrap and freeze at least 1 hour and up to 1 week . (to save space , after 30 minutes of freezing , put pastries in resealable plastic bags in freezer ).

4 . Preheat oven to 400* . Bake pastries , switching pan positions once , until golden brown , about 15 minutes . Let cool 5 minutes . Put sugar in a bowl and turn Beignets in sugar to coat . Serve immediately.

Heart healthy