Beignets

I do not know why I think these are so great but when cold weather strikes I begin thinking of Beignets and Cafe au lait. This is the best thing I liked about New Orleans when I went there years ago. I used to be able to buy a package of a premixed mixture when I lived in Florida. One day soon I will have the ambition and time to enjoy these wonderful treats again. You need to plan ahead to make these.

Beignets

1 (1/4-ounce) package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (105* to 115*F / 40* to 45*C)
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil
Powdered sugar

Stir together yeast and 1 cup warm water in a 2-cup glass measuring cup; let stand 5 minutes.

Stir together yeast mixture, evaporated milk, and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl until blended. Gradually stir in enough flour to make a soft dough. Cover and chill 8 hours.

Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface; knead 5 or 6 times. Roll dough into a 15 x 12 1/2-inch rectangle; cut into 2 1/2-inch squares.

Pour oil to depth of 3 or 4 inches into a Dutch oven; heat to 375*F (190*C). Fry 3 or 4 beignets at a time, 1 minute on each side or until golden. Drain on paper towels; sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Makes 2 1/2 dozen.












Beignets

1 (1/4-ounce) package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (105* to 115*F / 40* to 45*C)
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil
Powdered sugar

Stir together yeast and 1 cup warm water in a 2-cup glass measuring cup; let stand 5 minutes
Stir together yeast mixture, evaporated milk, and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl until blended. Gradually stir in enough flour to make a soft dough. Cover and chill 8 hours.
Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface; knead 5 or 6 times. Roll dough into a 15 x 12 1/2-inch rectangle; cut into 2 1/2-inch squares.
Pour oil to depth of 3 or 4 inches into a Dutch oven; heat to 375*F (190*C). Fry 3 or 4 beignets at a time, 1 minute on each side or until golden. Drain on paper towels; sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Makes 2 1/2 dozen.