Beignets

Every since we watched Disney's "Princess and the Frog", I have often wondered what a Beignet was. Charlotte refers to Tiana's beignets as "man catching beignets". So I was wondering what these were, that made them so good. So I got to researching and I found....

Beignets
(pronounced Ben yay)


Beignets are often found in and typically associated with the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. They are referred to as a French doughnut or pastry made from deep-fried dough and sprinkled with confectioner's sugar.

So here's the recipe

Ingredients:
1 envelope active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (approx. 105°)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup evaporated milk
7 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup shortening, softened
oil for deep frying
powdered sugar

Directions:
In large bowl, sprinkle yeast over the warm water; stir to dissolve and let stand for 5 minutes. Add sugar, salt, beaten eggs, and evaporated milk. Whisk or use an electric mixer to blend thoroughly. Add 4 cups of the flour; beat until smooth.

Add shortening; gradually blend in remaining flour. Cover with plastic wrap and chill at least 4 hours or overnight. Roll out on floured board to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 2 1/2 to 3-inch squares. Deep fry at 360° for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned on both sides. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle generously with powdered sugar. Serve hot with coffee (or if you don't drink coffee, like us, serve with hot cocoa).

Side note:
Dough can cut and frozen, separated in container with waxed paper.

Makes 4 to 5 dozen.