If you havent been to New Orleans youve probably never eaten a Beignet, but youve probably had something similar. Cafe au Lait and Beignets, is New Orleans for Coffee & Donuts.
The most famous place in New Orleans for Beignets and Cafe au Lait is Cafe Du Monde on Decatur on the riverside of Jackson Square, which is legendary, you have to go once.
New Orleans Style Beignet Recipe
1 Envelope Active Dry Yeast
3/4 Cup Warm Water
1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
1/2 tsp Salt
1 Beaten Egg
1/2 Cup Evaporated Milk
3 1/2 – 3 3/4 Cups A.P. Flour
1/8 Cup Butter
Vegetable Oil for Frying
Powdered Sugar in a shaker or sifter
Combine the Yeast, Water, and Sugar in a large mixing bowl. Let this sit until frothy, about 5 minutes, then add the Salt, Egg, and Evaporated Milk. Mix well, then add half of the flour until it starts to come together, then add the butter. When the butter is incorporated start adding the remaining flour, a little at a time until most of it is incorporated. At this time I always turn the dough onto a floured bench to finish by hand, just like when I make bread; its a touch thing. Knead the dough adding just enough flour as necessary to make a non-sticky, smooth dough. Place the dough into a large oiled bowl, loosely cover and let rise (about 1h in a warm cupboard)
After the dough has doubled in bulk, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface and roll out into a rectangle that is about 1/2thick. With a very sharp knife working at a diagonal to the rectangle, cut into 2wide strips. Now cut into diamond shapes by making diagonal cuts in the opposite direction. Place the Beignets on a floured baking sheet to let rise another hour in a warm place.
When the Beignets have risen, deep fry them in vegetable oil at 180C. Place 2-3 Beignets into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to smash or deflate them. When they are golden brown, flip them over until golden brown on the other side (They go pretty quickly so start checking them right after they go into the oil). Remove to paper towel lined plates to drain. Serve hot topped with plenty of powdered sugar (because the dough doesnt contain much sugar, you will want a lot!). Best served with Cafe au Lait. Enjoy!
Makes about 2 dozen.