Beignets

Prep time: 2 hours, 20 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Makes 30 beignets

Ingredients:

-4 cups all-purpose flour

-1/3 cup granulated sugar

-1/2 tsp salt

-1 tbsp active dry yeast

-3/4 cup warm water (95-100F)

-1/2 cup evaporated milk

-1 egg, lightly beaten

-2 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature

-vegetable oil, for frying

-confectioner's sugar, to dust

Directions:

1. In an electric mixing bowl fitted with a paddle, combine the flour, sugar, salt and yeast. Add in the warm water, evaporated milk, egg and butter on medium speed until the mixture forms a smooth but sticky dough, about 4-5 minutes.

2. Transfer the dough into a lighly greased medium bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.

3. When the dough has risen, heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a medium pot. Heat until the oil reaches 350F on a thermometer. Line a baking sheet with several layers of paper towels. While the oil heats, divide the dough in half, and roll out each piece of dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick. Cut the dough into 2 inch squares (no need to be precise).

4. Fry the dough in batches until golden brown and puffed, 5-6 minutes. Turn the dough over while it fries to make sure it browns evenly.

5. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beignets from the oil to the paper towel lined baking sheet. Cool slightly and then finish them off with a generous sprinkling of confectioners sugar. Serve immediately! Enjoy!