French Market Beignets + Bayou Boogie

Since I've recently had several requests for a recipe for beignets, I thought that I would share one of my favorite recipes that tastes almost identical to the ones that are served at the French Market, in New Orleans. I started off my Sunday, with these fabulous beignets and coffee and worked my way up to grillin' some Cajun jumbo shrimp, chicken, and burgers. Yes, grilling ! It's a gorgeous day, (sunny and 70 degrees) in Cajun Country! Perfect for having family and friends over to watch the big game. Geaux Saints!

This recipe, adapted from Southern Living Magazine, 1998, is as close to the real thing that I've ever had! And so easy, too! There's really nothing quite like the heavenly taste of biting into one of these babies with a good strong cup of Community coffee! Cest bon, cher! Enjoy!

French Market Beignets

1 envelope active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 large egg
4 to 4 1/2 cups flour
Vegetable oil, for frying
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Combine yeast and warm water in small bowl, and let stand for 5 minutes. Combine yeast mixture, evaporated milk, and next 3 ingredients. Gradually stir in flour to make a soft dough. Cover and chill for 8 hours.

Turn dough out onto a well floured surface and knead 5 or 6 times. Roll dough into a 15 x 12 inch rectangle and cut into 3 inch squares. Pour oil into a large Dutch oven, to a depth of 3 inches and heat to 375 degrees. Fry 4 or 5, at a time, for one minute on each side or until golden. Drain and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Makes 2 dozen.

Bon appetit!

 Hope that ya'll have a wonderful, fun week! Merci beaucoup for stopping by!