Délicieux!

Knowing a city’s history is really important when visiting a destination. Understanding the events and cultural landmarks that have made your selected stopping point so fascinating can really enhance your overall visit. That’s why for me, it is crucial that I divulge myself in delicious deep-fried delights of confection known as “beignets” when traveling to New Orleans. Really, it would be rude of me not to partake in the city’s iconic treat, right? Otherwise I would NEVER be tempted to dabble in such sweet delicacies. But I simply must not offend any local N’awliners and am forced to partake! Any human would have to be out of his or her right mind to have an interest in consuming pastries served with sprinkled powdered sugar on top, warm out of the fryers, right?…

Beignets are served throughout New Orleans (pronounced Ben-Yay), and are comparable to the American version of pastries known as fritters or elephant ears. In French, beignet means “bump” and could be described as looking like little pillows. Typically they are served solely with powdered sugar on top, but you may find some that contain meat, vegetables, fruit, and other fillings of the sort. These treats were brought to Louisiana in the 18th century by French colonists, and they became a large part of home-style Creole cooking. Those darn colonists, what were they thinking? Couldn’t they have brought something delicious over here… geez! Café du Monde in New Orleans is a popular spot to scope out the little fried puffs of heaven, which can be served along with coffee and chicory, and café au lait.

For all of you Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy Kreme fans out there (not me of course), in 1986 Louisiana declared beignets as the official… get this… state doughnut! So, do N’awlins a favor and don’t be rude, swing on by and get ya a beignet! Oh, and don’t forget to hold up your pillow of pastry and give it a good puff… you will have showered your friends with powdered sugar love! They’ll be sure to say merci (that means thank you in French)!