Fried Cheese Donuts with Honey Mustard Glaze

Instructions:

1. Prepare Puff Pastry: Allow the puff pastry to come to a cool room temperature. You can either defrost it in the refrigerator overnight or leave it on the kitchen counter for about 30 minutes.
2. Roll Out Dough: Separate and unfold the puff pastry carefully to avoid tearing. Place on a lightly floured work surface and gently roll with a rolling pin until it reaches about an eighth-inch thickness. Repeat this with the second sheet of puff pastry and set aside.
3. Assemble Donuts: On one piece of rolled-out dough, place slices of cheddar cheese evenly across (no need to cover entirely). Spread approximately one tablespoon of mustard over the cheese layer.
4. Layer Doughs: Place the second rolled sheet of puff pastry evenly on top of the cheese and mustard layer, then lightly press down.
5. Fold Dough: Fold one-third of dough from the right across to the center and do the same from the left side towards center, creating layers while keeping some chill in dough for easier rolling.
6. Final Roll & Cut Shapes: Roll out again to about a third-inch thickness without tearing through any layers exposing cheese filling.
7. Using two round biscuit cutters (large approx. three inches in diameter; small approx. one inch), cut out circles from your dough — you will fry both large donuts and donut holes!
8. Heat Oil for Frying: In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan fitted with a candy/fry thermometer, heat canola oil to approximately 350°F.
9. Fry Donuts & Holes: Fry donuts and holes in small batches until golden brown all around—flip them once or twice during frying for even cooking.
10. Drain Excess Oil & Glaze Donuts: Once done frying, remove from oil and let rest on paper towels to absorb excess grease.
11. In a small bowl mix remaining 2 tablespoons mustard, honey, and cracked pepper. Brush mixture onto warm donuts generously.
12. Sprinkle chives if desired before serving warm!