1 cup lukewarm water …………………....................... 1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt ………………………………........................ 2 TB butter, softened
1 egg, room temperature & beaten …........................ 1/2 cup evaporated milk
4 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
3 tsp instant active dry yeast …….......................…… Vegetable oil*
Powdered sugar for dusting
* Use just enough vegetable oil to completely cover beignets while frying.
Using mixer with dough hook, place water, sugar, salt, egg, butter, evaporated milk, flour, and yeast in the bowl. Beat until smooth.
(If using a bread machine, select dough setting and press Start. When dough cycle has finished, remove dough from pan and turn out onto a lightly oiled surface). Form dough into an oval, place in lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until well chilled (3 to 4 hours) or overnight.
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To prepare dough, remove from refrigerator and roll out on a lightly floured board to ½” thickness. Cut into approximately 3” squares, triangles or circles. ~
In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 360. Fry the beignets (2 or 3 at a time) 2 to 3 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown on both sides, turning them in the oil with tongs once or twice to get them evenly brown; beignets will rise to the surface of the oil as soon as they begin to puff. (NOTE: If the beignets don't rise to the top immediately when dropped into the oil, the oil is not hot enough.) ~ Remove from oil and drain on paper towels, then sprinkle heavily with powdered sugar. Serve hot. Makes 18 beignets
Traditionally served with Café Au Lait, or Chicory Coffee (grounds available at your grocery store)
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The dough can be kept for up to a week in the refrigerator - it actually improves with age; just punch down when it rises. Dough can also be frozen; cut and roll, or shape doughnuts before freezing.)