Mardi Gras Beignets

Deep-fried sweet Beignets are a traditional French treat. Serve these Mardi Gras Beignets up for breakfast or dessert at Mardi Gras or any time!

Makes: 3 1/2 dozen

Preparation Time: 10 min

Cooking Time: 40 min

Ingredients

• 1 (1-pound) loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar, divided
• 2 cups vegetable shortening

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine bread dough and 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar; mix well. Using your hands, knead sugar into dough. Lightly flour a cutting board and, with a floured rolling pin, roll out dough to an 8" x 20" rectangle. Cut into 2-inch squares.
    
2. In a large deep skillet, heat shortening over medium heat until hot. Add dough squares a few at a time and cook in batches for about 30 seconds per side, or until golden. Drain on a paper towel-lined platter.
    
3. Sprinkle beignets with remaining 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar and serve warm.

Tip

Beignets are traditionally served with chicory coffee or café au lait (a mix of half hot coffee and half scalded milk) but any way you serve them, they're the perfect way to start or end the day.