Chicago is quite possibly our favorite place to spend a weekend. Just thinking about it makes me want to plan a trip there. We love to go and spend the weekend walking around, shopping, and most of all-- eating! Our Saturdays in Chicago usually start with breakfast or brunch at the Grand Lux Cafe. I am not typically a big breakfast eater, but I find their breakfast beignets to be absolutely splendid. What better way to start a day of walking and shopping than with a satisfied sweet tooth!
Beignets
Ingredients
½ cup warm water
1 package dry yeast
½ cup evaporated milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons oil
¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups flour
Oil for deep-frying
Powdered sugar
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add milk, egg, vanilla, oil, sugar and salt. Add flour, beating vigorously. Dough will be very sticky.
On a heavily-floured surface, place ¼ of the dough, and roll out with a well-floured rolling pin to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares. Heat oil to 370°.
Drop beignets a few at a time into oil. They will rise to surface and puff up. As they puff up, turn over to brown other side. Remove and drain on paper towels; dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm. Unused dough can be refrigerated for up to one week.
Makes 4 dozen.
*Cafe Du Monde (the famous French cafe in New Orleans) also makes a French beignet mix that is available at many grocery stores on the international foods aisle. I've tried that as well, and it is quite good if you haven't got the ingredients or the time to make them from scratch.
Laura
Please tell how many eggs. You forgot to put how many eggs
Mandy
I'm so sorry, thank you for pointing that out. It is one large egg.