Big Fluffy Beignets - Copycat Cafe du Monde

If you like fry bread, funnel cakes, or the like, you will love these beignets! They are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy goodness on the inside, and are great with a cup of coffee or as a stand - alone dessert. You can dress them up so many different ways too (more on that below). Here's what you'll need to make 1 1/2 dozen:

Photo byJo

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup warm water (110-115 degrees)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 1/8 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 large egg, room temp
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk (NOT condensed milk)
• 1 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cup bread flour
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 2 1/2 Tbl unsalted butter, room temp
• 2-3 cups peanut oil for frying
• 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting

In a medium - sized bowl, "proof" your yeast by combining it with the sugar and warm water. Whisk well to combine and set aside for a few minutes until it bubbles and becomes foamy.

Using a stand mixer and the paddle attachment, beat eggs until smooth, then add vanilla and milk. Slowly beat in about half the flour until it's well incorporated and smooth. Then on low speed, slowly add in the yeast mixture and beat smooth. Next, add remaining flour and salt and beat until smooth. Cover top of bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but no longer than 24.

When ready to fry, heat 4" of oil to 360 degrees. While it gets to temperature, line a long cookie sheet or cooling rack with paper towels to soak up any additional oil.

Remove dough from fridge and turn out onto lightly floured surface, then roll into a rectangle with 1/4" thickness. Using a sharp paring knife or rolling pizza cutter, cut into 3 inch squares.

Fry in batches, ensuring enough room between each beignet to move and turn over with a slotted spoon after about 1 minute on each side. Remove carefully to drain on paper towels. Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar and enjoy!

* Some alternate toppings: chocolate drizzle, hazlenut spread, vanilla glaze. I have also seen a pocket cut on one side, filled with fruit or fruit compote and whipped cream. Use your imagination!