Beignets

Bonjour,
  Soyez bienvenus à tout mon poste français. Pourquoi français ? J'ai pensé qu'il ferait le fait que ce plat suivant ajoutera 10 livres à votre fin de fond toujours vous les mangez, juste un peu plus fantastique et agréable. Attendez, vous ne vous souciez pas qu'ils ajoutent 10 livres à votre fin de fond toujours vous les mangez ? Bonbon. Vissez cette conversation française sophistiquée alors! Laisse la conversation donuts!

What? You don't speak French? Or at least, Google-translated-English-to-French-so-who-knows-if-its-actually-correct? Dang. Ok, lucky for you, I can provide subtitles!

Translation:

Hello,
  Welcome to my french post. Why French? I figured it would make the fact that this next dish will add 10 pounds to your bottom end everytime you eat them, just a little more whimsical and enjoyable. Wait, you don't care that they add 10 pounds to your bottom end everytime you eat them? Sweet. Screw this fancy French talk then! Lets talk donuts!



oui !

The first time I discovered beignets was at the recommendation of my dear friend Jaren Rabe. Chris and I had taken a celebratory trip to New Orleans last month and she basically told me she'd stop being my friend if we didn't hit up Cafe du Monde. For the sake of our friendship, I thought it best to go. Long story short, I left New Orleans with 9 boxes of the donut mix to distribute to friends and family. Did I remember to grab myself a box? Of course...... not. Luckily, I did find a great recipe to make them from scratch! Beware, this recipe makes 24-36 donuts... that comes out to about 240-360 lbs on your tushie... hit up the gym after to get rid of some of that guilt (if you even have guilt that is!)

Ingredients:

* 1 envelope active drive yeast
* 1 1/2 cups warm water
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1 tsp salt
* 2 eggs, beaten
* 1 cup evaporated milk
* 6 1/2-7 cups flour
* 1/4 cup shortening, softened
* oil for frying
* powdered sugar

To Do:

* In large bowl, sprinkle yeast over the warm water. Stir to dissolve and let stand 5-10 minutes.
* Add the sugar, salt, eggs, and milk. Mix well.
* Add 4 cups flour and beat until smooth
* Add shortening and blend in remaining flour
* Cover and chill 4 hours or overnight (yes, they are GREAT for breakfast)
* Roll out on floured surface to 1/4 to 1/2 in. thickness
* Cut into three inch squares.
* Heat oil to 350F
* Deep fry a few at a time until lightly browned on both sides. Drain on paper towel.
* Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve immediately (best when nice and toasty)

Mama Sue's Variation: Cover freshly fried donuts in cinnamon and sugar!!!!

Sidenote: If you don't feel like attempting them from scratch, you can buy the mix from their website online and have it shipped to you! Just add water and fry! Also, if you live in Columbus, MS- they sell the boxes at Walmart.