Beignets

Ingredients:

1 (1/4-oz) envelope active dry yeast *

3/4 c. warm water

1/4 c. granulated sugar

1/2 c. evaporated milk

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 T. vanilla

1 t. freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 t. salt

2 T. shortening or softened butter

4 c. all-purpose or bread flour

vegetable oil, for frying

1 1/2 c. powdered sugar, for dusting

*I used 2 1/4 t.

Recipe:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine yeast, water, and a pinch of sugar. Let stand 10 minutes.

2. Add 1/4 c. sugar, evaporated milk, egg, vanilla, nutmeg and salt.

3. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add half the flour, mixing just until combined.

4. Add the shortening and the remaining flour, mixing until the dough forms into a mass.

5. Transfer the dough to a floured surface, and knead a few times.

6. Place the dough into a large greased bowl. Turn the dough to grease it all over. Cover with plastic wrap, and let the dough rise for 2-4 hours, or cover and refrigerate overnight.

7. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.

8. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Sprinkle a little flour on top, and gently shape the dough into a rectangle. Roll to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut into 2 1/2-inch squares.

9. Pour oil into an electric skillet or Dutch oven until it is 3 inches deep, and heat to 360 degrees F. Fry dough, in batches, 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack sitting on top of paper towels. To keep beignets warm after frying, place in preheated oven.

10. Dust the beignets liberally with powdered sugar, or pour sugar into a bad and shake to coat. Serve warm.

Rating: 3.75 of 5

I've never had a true New Orleans beignet before, so I'm not sure what they're supposed to taste like. But, we liked these just fine. What's not to like about something completely covered in powdered sugar? They're easy, that's for sure. They definitely have a flavor that I feel like is a little bit of an acquired taste, at first, and then after the first one or two it just starts to taste like a fresh doughnut. Ally absolutely loved, especially since Tiana makes them in The Princess and the Frog.

Source: Ezra Pound Cake, Beignets