New Orleans-style beignets with anise sugar

1.Combine sugar, yeast and 125ml lukewarm water in a bowl and stir to dissolve yeast. Cover and set aside until foamy (10-12 minutes). Mix in evaporated milk and egg, then half the flour. Transfer to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, add coconut oil and remaining flour, and knead on medium speed until smooth (5-6 minutes). Transfer dough to a bowl lightly greased with coconut oil, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to prove (it should be doubled in size).

2.Knock back dough, turn out onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to an 8mm-thick rectangle. Cut dough into twenty 7cm diamonds, place on trays lined with baking paper and dusted with flour, cover with a clean tea towel and leave until doubled in size (30-35 minutes).

3.Combine icing sugar with star anise in a bowl and set aside.

4.Heat vegetable oil to 180C in a deep-fryer or large saucepan and deep-fry beignets in batches (be careful, hot oil may spit), turning occasionally, until golden and crisp (3-4 minutes). Drain on paper towels, dust generously with anise sugar and serve hot.