Beignet Doughnut Recipes

BEIGNET DOUGHNUT

Steps:

• Mound the flour in a large mixing bowl. Combine the salt and 1 teaspoon of sugar and place them at 1 edge of the bowl. Put the yeast on the other side. (Do not mix the yeast and the salt yet; the salt will soak up the moisture in the yeast, killing it.) Stir first the eggs, and then the beer into the flour. Mix in 3 1/2 tablespoons water, incorporating the sugar, salt and yeast as you go and working until the batter is smooth. Cover the batter with plastic and set it aside in the refrigerator to relax for at least 1 hour.
• Whip the egg whites until they hold soft peaks. Fold the whipped whites into the batter (this makes for lighter beignet).
• Heat about 2-inches of oil in a deep pot over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350 degrees F.
• Slice the apple into 8 (1/2-inch) thick slices. Mix the remaining 1 teaspoon of sugar with the cinnamon. Dust the apple slices with cinnamon-sugar. Working in batches of 2 or 3, dip slices of apple into the batter then carefully drop the beignet into the hot oil. Fry the beignet until crisp and uniformly golden brown, about 4 minutes per side then drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Allow the beignet to cool for a few minutes then sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and serve.

BEIGNETS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, salt, eggs, evaporated milk, and blend well. Mix in 4 cups of the flour and beat until smooth. Add the shortening, and then the remaining 3 cups of flour. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours.
• Roll out dough 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 2 1/2 inch squares. Fry in 360 degree F (180 degrees C) hot oil. If beignets do not pop up, oil is not hot enough. Drain onto paper towels.
• Shake confectioners' sugar on hot beignets. Serve warm.

NEW ORLEANS BEIGNETS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, oil, sugar, egg and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky). Do not knead. Cover and refrigerate overnight. , Punch down dough. Turn onto a floured surface; roll into a 16x12-in. rectangle. Cut into 2-in. squares. , In a deep cast-iron or electric skillet, heat 1 inch oil to 375°. Fry squares, in batches, until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels. Roll warm beignets in confectioners' sugar.

COSTAS FRENCH MARKET DOUGHNUTS (BEIGNETS)

Steps:

• Pour 1/2 cup room temperature water into a small bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let stand for about 5 minutes to dissolve.
• Combine the shortening, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Pour the boiling water over the shortening mixture and then stir in the evaporated milk. Wait for the mixture to cool down until it is lukewarm. Then, add the yeast and water mixture and beaten eggs.
• Slowly mix in the flour until the dough forms a ball. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Working with a small portion (a little larger than a baseball) at a time, roll out the dough 1/8-inch thick. Cut the rolled out dough into strips 2 to 3-inches wide, then cut again in the opposite direction and at an angle, making diamond shapes.
• Heat your oil for frying in a deep and wide, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat to 360 degree F (180 degrees C).
• Slide dough slowly into the oil to avoid splattering and deep fry until they puff up and are golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully remove onto a rack with paper towels underneath and allow to cool until you can handle them. Place in a clean paper bag with confectioners' sugar and shake gently until covered generously or, use a sifter to dust the beignets with powdered sugar.