French Quarter Beignets

Make fresh beignets, made with yeast and deep-fried. It's a beignet recipe similar to those you might find in the French Market of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Ingredients

• 1 envelope active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1.5 cups warm water (approx. 105 F)
• 0.5 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 7 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup shortening, softened
• Vegetable oil, for deep frying
• 0.25 cup confectioners' sugar

Steps

1. Gather the ingredients.
2. In a large bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water; stir to dissolve and let mixture stand 5 minutes.
3. Add sugar, salt, beaten eggs, and evaporated milk.
4. With a whisk or electric mixer, blend mixture thoroughly. Add 4 cups of flour and the shortening; beat until smooth.
5. Gradually blend in remaining flour.
6. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate dough for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Heat oil in a large, deep saucepan or electric deep fryer to 360 F.
8. Roll dough out on a floured surface to 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch in thickness. Cut into 2 1/2 to 3-inch squares.
9. Deep fry beignets for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they are lightly browned on both sides.
10. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle generously with confectioners' sugar.