New Orleans DIY

Nawlins’ has incredible food. It seems we keep sending more and more groups to New Orleans and for good reason – not only is the city an incredible cultural hub, but the food is on another level. Everything from fried alligator to étouffée and gumbo can be found and sampled in the city. I have quite the sweet tooth, so the last time I was in New Orleans I found my self at Café du Monde – every. single. night. Café du Monde is famous for it’s beignets and café au lait. I became obsessed with the beignets while I was there, and absolutely had to have them when I got home. Beignets are a fantastic French pastry similar to a donut and covered in powdered sugar. I adapted a recipe for beignets that you can find below. Trust me, you’ll want to try these for yourself:

Ingredients:

1 and ½ cups lukewarm water

½ cup granulated sugar

1-teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1-cup evaporated milk

1 package (2 and ¼ teaspoons) dry active yeast

7-cups all-purpose or bread flour

¼ cup butter or shortening

1-quart vegetable oil for frying

Lots of powdered sugar!

Instructions:

1. Dissolve yeast into lukewarm water. If the water is too hot, it will kill the yeast. Let rest for 5 minutes.

2. Beat 2 eggs and add to a large bowl with sugar, salt, eggs, and evaporated milk. Blend the mixture well before adding in 4 cups of flour. Beat until smooth.

3. Add the butter or shortening to the mix, then add the remaining 3 cups of flour and beat until smooth. Cover the bowl and allow it to proof in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

4. Roll out your dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the dough into 2-inch squares.

5. Allow your oil to reach 360 degrees F (180 degrees C) before frying. Be sure not to fry too many beignets at a time, as this will lower the overall temperature of the oil. If your beignets aren’t popping up, the oil may not be hot enough.

6. Put lots of powdered sugar on top and serve warm (and with a Café au lait if you like)!

VOILA!