-
1
For the cappuccino semifreddo: Place the egg yolks and 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sugar in the bowl of a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.
-
2
Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the bowl.
-
3
Whip for about 12 minutes at medium speed, or until the mixture has lightened and tripled in volume.
-
4
Beat in the espresso extract.
-
5
Transfer the mixture to a bowl placed in a larger bowl of ice water to maintain its consistency.
-
6
In a mixer bowl or a metal bowl, whip the heavy cream with 3 tablespoons of the sugar until it holds its shape when the whisk or beater is lifted.
-
7
Fold the whipped cream into the yolk mixture and return the bowl to the ice.
-
8
Whip the egg whites in a mixer bowl or metal bowl until they are frothy.
-
9
While whipping, add in the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar and whip the egg whites just until they hold soft peaks, being careful not to overwhip them.
-
10
Fold in the beaten egg whites into the egg yolk mixture until they are completely combined.
-
11
Spoon the semifreddo into six 8- to 10-ounce coffee cups, leaving at least 1/2 inch at the top for the steamed milk.
-
12
Gently tap the cups against the counter to level the mixture.
-
13
Cover the cups with plastic wrap and place them in the freezer until frozen, at least 6 to 8 hours, or overnight.
-
14
These will keep for up to 3 days in the freezer; after that time, they will start to deflate.
-
15
For the cinnamon-sugar doughnuts: Place the water in the bowl of a mixer.
-
16
Crumble the yeast into the water; mix and crush the yeast with a spoon to dissolve.
-
17
Add the flour to the bowl and, using the dough hook, mix slowly until the ingredients are thoroughly blended.
-
18
Transfer this sponge to a bowl, cover, and let proof at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, until it has doubled; or place the bowl in the refrigerator to proof overnight.
-
19
Part 2: Crumble the yeast into the milk in a small bowl, stirring to dissolve.
-
20
Place 3/4 cup of the flour, the sugar, and salt in the bowl of a mixer fitted with the dough hook.
-
21
Mixing on low speed, pour in the milk and yeast mixture, followed by the egg yolks and butter.
-
22
Mix for a minute to combine.
-
23
Add the proofed sponge and the remaining 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour.
-
24
Continue to beat at low speed until combined.
-
25
Turn up the speed slightly and knead the dough for 4 to 5 minutes, or until it has formed a ball and cleans the sides of the bowl.
-
26
If the dough seems wet, it may be necessary to add 1 to 2 more tablespoons flour.
-
27
Cover the bowl and let the dough proof overnight in the refrigerator.
-
28
To shape the doughnuts: Place the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to a 1/2-inch thickness.
-
29
Cut out the doughnuts using a 2-inch doughnut cutter, or a 2-inch biscuit cutter (in which case, you will also need a 3/4-inch cutter to make the hole).
-
30
Place the doughnuts and doughnut holes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
-
31
Cover the doughnuts with a sheet of plastic wrap that has been sprayed with nonstick spray.
-
32
At this point, the doughnuts can be frozen for several days, refrigerated, or allowed to rise at room temperature.
-
33
If they're frozen, defrost them and then allow them to rise at room temperature for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
-
34
They can be refrigerated for several hours or overnight, to rise slowly.
-
35
When you remove them from the refrigerator, uncover them and let them finish proofing in a warm place for 20 to 30 minutes.
-
36
If they have not been refrigerated or frozen, they should rise at room temperature in about 15 minutes.
-
37
Once proofed, they will have risen to approximately 3/4 inch.
-
38
To cook the doughnuts: In a deep heavy saucepan large enough to hold half the doughnuts and holes at a time, heat canola oil for deep-frying to 325 degrees F. Add half the doughnuts and holes to the oil and cook for approximately 30 seconds on the first side.
-
39
Flip the doughnuts and fry for 1 minute on the second side, then turn back to the first side to cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until a deep golden brown.
-
40
Remove the doughnuts, drain them briefly on paper towels, and toss them in a bowl with the cinnamon sugar.
-
41
Repeat with the remaining doughnuts.
-
42
To complete: Remove the semifreddo from the freezer a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.
-
43
Steam the milk using a cappuccino machine or frothing machine.
-
44
Place a cup of semifreddo and a doughnut on each of six plates.
-
45
Top each doughnut with a doughnut hole.
-
46
Spoon the steamed milk over the semifreddo and serve immediately.
-
47
Note: Coffee extract can be made using equal amounts of espresso powder and boiling water.