new orleans beignets

You must try these and soon. They are splendid. Nothing compares to homemade, fresh from your own kitchen. This recipe is straight from the French Quarter which of course reminds me of none other than the ride Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland, by far the happiest place on earth. Our family had the tradition of dining at the restaurant The Blue Bayou which is located inside the ride Pirates of the Caribbean. There, we'd eat Monte Cristo sandwiches dusted with powdered sugar and sip Mint Julips while listening to the crickets and fireflies with lit lanterns hanging overhead. What a setting.

new orleans beignets (Southern Living Magazine, February 2011)
1 (1/4 ounce) envelop dry active yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115 degrees)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup evaporated milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup shortening
6 1/2 to 7 cups bread flour
vegetable oil
sifted powdered sugar

Make the yeast mixture: Combine yeast, 1/2 cup warm water and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar in a bowl of a heavy-duty stand mixer; let stand 5 minutes. Add milk, eggs, salt and remaining granulated sugar.
Form a dough: Microwave remaining 1 cup water until hot (about 115 degrees); stir in shortening until melted. Add to yeast mixture. Beat at low speed, gradually adding 4 cups flour, until smooth. Gradually add remaining 2 1/2 to 3 cups flour, beating until a sticky dough forms. Transfer to a lightly greased bowl; turn to grease top. Cover and chill 4 to 24 hours.
Roll and cut: Turn dough out onto a floured surface; roll to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2 1/2-inch squares.
Fry until golden: Pour oil to depth of 2 to 3 inches into a Dutch oven; heat to 360 degrees. Fry dough, in batches, 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack. Dust immediately with powdered sugar.