Beignets

Beignets at home? Yes! Here's a recipe for New Orleans' famous fritters that's surprisingly easy. Breakfast, brunch, dessert, or snack, they can't be beat.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 543 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• ½ cup white sugar
• ¼ cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• ¼ cup shortening
• 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 7 cups all-purpose flour, divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Pour into a large bowl and stir in evaporated milk, white sugar, eggs, and salt. Add 4 cups flour and beat until smooth.

Step 2

Roll dough out on floured surface to 1/8-inch thick. Cut into 2 1/2-inch squares.

Step 3

Heat oil in deep pot to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C).

Step 4

Fry beignets in batches until browned and puffed. (If beignets sink and do not pop up, oil is not hot enough.) Remove from oil with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 5

Shake confectioners' sugar over hot beignets. Serve immediately.

Step 6

Mix in shortening. Mix in remaining 3 cups flour. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.