Beignets ( Pronounced-Benyays)

I heard about these tasty little treats while watching the Princess and the Frog with my kids. I thought it would be fun to make some!

1 pack dry yeast
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
4 + cups of flour
1 1/2 cups of warm water
1 teaspoon Salt
1 cup evaporated milk, undiluted
1/4 soft shortening
Oil for frying
Confectioners Sugar (Powdered Sugar)

In a large bowl sprinkle yeast over water and stir to dissolve. Let it sit for a few minutes so the yeast will get nice and warm and happy! (You want your yeast to be warm and happy so it doesn't die) Add the sugar, salt, eggs and milk. Blend with a rotary beater. Add four cups of flour.

Cover and chill overnight.

Roll out on floured board to 1/8 inch thickness (if you want to skip the floured part- get your board wet and then roll your dough out on it- the wetness will keep the dough from sticking- same goes for your hands- run them under the water before touching the dough and the dough won't stick to your hands) Cut in to 2 1/2 inch squares.

Deep fry at 360 degrees 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly browned on both sides. Drain on paper towels.

Sprinkle heavily wit confectioners sugar.

Makes about 5 dozen.
Dough keeps well in refrigerator for several days. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap (to keep the dough from sticking to the plastic wrap I spray mine with cooking spray) and punch down occaisionally.

These are just like scones! Delicious!