Disney's French Quarter Beignets Recipe

#BakingThroughIsolation #Episode9

Port Orlean's French Quarter Beignet Recipe

Ingredients:

3/4 Cup Lukewarm Water
1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
1/2 Envelope of Active Dry Yeast (approximately 1 full teaspoon and 1/8 of a teaspoon)
1 Egg
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Cup Evaporated Milk
3 1/2 Cups of All Purpose Flour
2 Tablespoons of Shortening
Nonstick Spray
4 Cups of Vegetable Oil for Frying
1/2 Cup of Confectioner's Sugar
Berry Jam (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add water, granulated sugar, and dry yeast to a bowl. Stir to combine and let sit for 10-15 minutes to let your yeast bloom.
2. In a separate bowl, combine evaporated milk, salt, and 1 beaten egg. 
3. Your yeast should be activated and foamy. Once that happens, add in the milk mixture. Following that, add in your flour and shortening. Mix well until a dough ball forms. Knead well on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes. Alternatively, if you are using a Stand Mixer, you can use a dough hook on low speed for 6-8 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Lightly grease a bowl with cooking spray and place dough inside. Cover with a towel and let rise for 2 hours. You can do this in a warm place like above your running dishwasher or in an oven on Proof Setting.
5. After 2 hours, the dough should have doubled. Move to a floured surface and roll out until 1/4 inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut 2x3inch rectangles. Alternatively, you can use a mickey mouse cookie cutter to punch out dough.
6. Heat frying oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a wire cooling rack or tray lined with paper towels. Fry beignets for about 1-2 minutes on each side. Allow to cool for a few minutes (no more than 5) and use small sifter to dust with confectioners sugar. Alternatively, you can put the confectioners sugar in a paper bag, add beignets, and shake to coat with sugar.
7. Serve with a side of berry jam and enjoy.