"Man-Catching" Beignets

Beignets are pastries made from fried dough and sprinkled with powdered sugar. The word beignet actually means "fried dough" in French. They are popular in New Orleans. The other day, my roommate and I were talking about the Disney movie: The Princess and the Frog. In that movie, the main character, Tiana, makes beignets (or "man-catching beignets" as she says). We thought they looked delicious (even for being a cartoon).  I decided to give them a try. They were super yummy, and let me tell you, they were definite "man-catching beignets" because we could not keep those boys out of our kitchen. I have never seen food go so quickly!

"Man-Catching" Beignets

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 7 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions

   1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, salt, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, and blend well. Mix in 4 cups of the flour and beat until smooth. Add the butter, and then the remaining 3 cups of flour. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours.

   2. Roll out dough 1/8 inch thick. Let it rise at room temperature for 30 minutes. Cut into 2 1/2 inch squares. Fry in 360 degree F (180 degrees C) hot oil. If beignets do not pop up, oil is not hot enough. Drain onto paper towels.

   3. Shake confectioners' sugar on hot beignets. Serve warm. *You can also add cinnamon to the powdered sugar...yum :)