Mini Banana Beignets

(Courtesy of Food Network)

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil, plus more for frying
1 1/2 c. cake flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/3 c. plus 1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 c. whole milk
1/2 c. mashed banana (about 1 overripe banana)
1/4 tsp. banana extract (optional)


Directions:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees.  


Meanwhile, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon and 1/3 c. granulated sugar in a large bowl.  


Whisk the egg, milk, mashed banana and 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil in another bowl.  Add the banana extract, if desired.  Combine the remaining 1/2 c. granulated sugar and 1 tsp. cinnamon in a shallow bowl and set aside.


Whisk the banana mixture into the dry ingredients until just moistened.  Working in batches, drop rounded teaspoonfuls of the dough into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 15 seconds per side.  Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, then roll in the cinnamon sugar while still warm.