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1
Make the pastry cream: In a medium pot, combine the milk, honey, and vanilla bean. Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer.
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2
While the milk heats, whisk the sugar and cornstarch together in a medium bowl. When the milk begins to simmer, whisk the egg yolks into the sugar mixture, mixing well to combine.
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3
When the milk is simmering, gently pour about 1/3 of it into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly while you add it.
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4
Return the mixture to the pot and cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to first boil-a few large bubbles should appear at the center of the pot (not just little bubbles around the edge).
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5
Transfer the pastry cream to a shallow dish and cover directly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until well chilled.
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6
Make the doughnuts: Heat 3 to 4 inches of oil over medium-high heat until it reads around 350u00b0F on a thermometer (or throw a scrap piece of dough in as a tester-if the dough bubbles and rises to the surface, the oil is good to go).
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7
While the oil heats, roll out the doughnut dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/2 inch thick. Cut the dough into rectangles (no need to be precise, but I like about 2 x 4 inches).
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8
Let the doughnuts rise, covered, on a lightly floured surface for 30 minutes to 1 hour. When the oil is hot, gently add the doughnuts to the pot in batches, frying until they're golden brown on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes.
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9
Drain the doughnuts on several layers of absorbent paper towels. Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
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10
Transfer the chilled pastry cream to a pastry bag with a medium circle tip. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke a large hole in the side or base of the doughnuts.
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11
Place the pastry tip in the hole on the doughnut, and apply pressure to the bag. Fill the doughnut until it feels a bit heavy-like there's plenty of filling inside.
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12
In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, honey, and milk or cream to combine. Add more milk or cream as needed to make a dippable glaze.
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13
Dunk each doughnut into the glaze, and garnish with a small piece of honeycomb, if desired. Serve immediately.
