Beignet Twists Recipes

BEIGNET TWISTS

Steps:

• Combine first 8 ingredients in medium bowl; add 1 tablespoon oil and whisk to blend. Add flour 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until very thick dough forms; scrape out onto lightly floured surface. Knead until no longer sticky, about 3 minutes. Roll out dough to 10x12-inch rectangle. Cut lengthwise into 3 strips, then crosswise into 3/4-inch-wide strips.
• Pour oil into large saucepan to depth of 1 inch. Heat oil to 350°F. Working in batches, twist each strip of dough several times and drop into oil. Fry until golden, turning occasionally, about 2 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer beignets to paper towels and drain. Sift powdered sugar over. Serve warm or at room temperature. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.)

BEIGNETS

Steps:

• Mix together the yeast, flour, sugar and 1 tsp sea salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk together the evaporated milk and egg and tip into the bowl with the melted butter and 60ml just-boiled water. Knead on a medium speed for 2 mins in the stand mixer, or for 5 mins on a lightly floured work surface, until smooth. Shape the dough into a ball and put in a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp tea towel and chill for 8-24 hrs.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured work surface into a roughly 20 x 25cm rectangle about 1cm thick. Cut into 20 x 5cm squares.
• Pour the oil into a deep stock pot or saucepan, so it is no deeper than one-third full. Or, use a deep-fat fryer. Heat the oil to 175C. Line a baking tray with kitchen paper. Fry the beignets in batches for 3 mins, turning occasionally with tongs, until puffed up and golden brown. Lift the beignets onto the paper to drain, then move to a wire rack, dust generously with icing sugar and serve warm.

SWEET CORNMEAL BEIGNETS WITH SPICY HONEY BUTTER

Steps:

• Combine the yeast, water, and Sugar in the work bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (You could also make this the old fashioned way, by hand). Allow mixture to sit until frothy, about 5 minutes; add the salt, egg, and evaporated milk. Mix on low speed, then add the cornbread mix and half of the flour until it starts to come together; add the shortening. When the shortening is incorporated start adding the remaining flour, a little at a time until most of it is incorporated.
• Sprinkle remaining flour onto a surface and turn the dough out, kneading until the dough is no longer sticky. Place the dough into a large oiled bowl, loosely cover and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk or about one hour.
• While the dough rises, make the honey butter by whipping together the softened butter, honey, cinnamon and cayenne pepper until blended. Set aside until ready to serve.
• 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 1/2" thick. With a very sharp knife cut or pizza cutter, cut dough into 2" diamonds shapes. Place the beignets on a floured baking sheet to let rise about 40 minutes in a warm place.
• Meanwhile, heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large heavy bottomed saucepan or Dutch Oven (can use a deep fryer) to 350-360 degrees. Place 4-5 beignets into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to smash or deflate them. When they are golden brown, flip them over and cook second side. Remove to paper towel lined plates to drain. Serve hot topped with powdered sugar. Makes about 2 dozen.

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.