Whilst watching the Princess and the Frog with the boys earlier, I thought I hadn’t made beignets since I was at college. They are not exactly good for you and not the sort of thing you knock up as a quick snack. I did however decide I had to make some, and I wasn’t going to rest until I did.
I dug through my old book of recipes, and sure enough I had a recipe cut out of a magazine, I therefore don’t know where it came from or who to credit it and thank for it, but it is an easy to follow recipe and it works. It is only time consuming because of the rising times, and not time you need to be paying to it!
125ml water
1 tablespoon yeast
50g butter
100g caster sugar
1 teaspoon salt
250ml boiling water
250ml evaporated milk
2 eggs, beaten
950g plain flour
oil for frying
icing sugar for dusting
Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let stand for about 5 minutes to dissolve.
Combine the butter, sugar and salt in a large bowl.
Pour the boiling water over the mixture and then stir in the evaporated milk. Wait for the mixture to cool down until it is lukewarm. Then, add the yeast and water mixture and beaten eggs.
Slowly mix in the flour until the dough forms a ball. Cover the dough with clingfilm and put in the fridge for an hour.
Roll our about 3mm thick – it’s probably easier to do this a little at a time to stop it drying out. Cut into diamonds – or any shape you fancy.
Heat oil to 180c
Fry a few at a time, turning regularly to get an even golden brown – probably about 5 mins.
Drain on kitchen paper and them smoother in icing sugar before demolishing while still warm.
They are totally delish!
And in the words of Lottie – These beignets are sure to help you catch a man – if that is your want!
They are no more hassle than making bread rolls, and definitely worth it. Not something to make every day but when you do make the effort it is so naughty but oh so nice.
ASD Mummy with issues. 
Reblogged this on The World of Neil.
Sounds lovely. The best (not beignets unfortunately) doughnuts I ever had were made in our school canteen and I think they must have fresh fried them because they were hot and crispy, nothing like the things you get in bags in the supermarket… reading your description makes me feel almost teary with nostalgia as I have never had anything like that fresh fried taste since.
Its amazing how something so simple can trigger such a vivid memory!
I have just remembered that in those days they were only 30p! Such a promise of pleasure for only 30p!
Having said that, I am highly tempted by your post to have a go myself now for the sake of nostalgia.
They must have been special to remember them that well!
They arent difficult to do! My main tip is make sure the oil is the right temperature otherwise they arent good – too hot and they will still be doughy in the middle and too cool and theyll be greasy.
Do let me know if you do givevthem a go.
I tried the beignets but I think my oil was verging towards too hot. They were a bit hard on the outside the first time round. The second time round I had to split them open and refry them! However my daughter didn’t seem to mind, they are fried things with sugar after all, and scoffed a plate full both times 🙂 I’m looking forward to experimenting more so that I know when the oil is the right temperature, as they are a lovely treat.