Beignets

By KitchenGnome

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 teaspoonss yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 cup cream or half 'n' half
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 7 cups unbleached AP flour
• 1 quart frying oil (Cotton seed is suggested for best flavor)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)

Details

Adapted from tenatthetable.com

Preparation

Step 1

How to Make Southern Beignets

1 quart frying oil (Cotton seed is suggested for best flavor)

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, salt, eggs, cream, and blend well. Mix in 4 cups of the flour and beat until smooth. Add the softened butter, and then the remaining 3 cups of flour. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours or chill for up to 24 hours. Pour out the dough and fold it over itself a few times to make a relatively rectangular shape. Roll out the dough into a 1/4 in. thick rectangle. Cut it into 2x2 in. squares. Heat your oil for frying in a deep and wide, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat to 360 degree F.Slide dough squares slowly into the oil to avoid splattering and 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. Mix together the powdered sugar and cinnamon if using. Arrange the beignets on a platter or cookie sheet, and dust them with the powdered sugar mixture using a fine mesh strainer. Eat warm.