Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” and is celebrated on the day before Ash Wednesday. Fat Tuesday is the last day of indulging for Catholics before Lent begins. Mardi Gras is the final day of Carnival, a celebration which begins on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany.
Mardi Gras is observed in cities around the world, but the biggest and most famous Mardi Gras celebration in the United States takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana. With big celebrations come great foods, such as beignets. Beignets, in French literally means, “Bump.” I can’t help but think of Peter Sellers in the Pink Panther Moveies saying, “Bimp.” Beignets are fried yeast dough squares, yum, which are then sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar. In the U.S., beignets are associated with the city of New Orleans, where they are served at all cafes. These beignets are also the state doughnut of Louisiana. Must be wonderful to live in a state where you have a state doughnut! Here’s the recipe I have and will be serving my gang…
New Orleans Sweet Beignets 
1 teaspoon plus 1/2 cup sugar, divided
1 envelope active dry yeast
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
4 cups flour, plus extra for work surface, divided
1 cup whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large egg, at room temperature
Peanut or vegetable oil for deep-frying
At least 2 cups powdered sugar for dusting
1. In a small bowl, combine one-fourth cup warm water and 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture. Let sit 5 to 6 minutes; if the yeast is not absorbed, stir lightly until the mixture is creamy.
2. Combine the remaining one-half cup sugar, salt and 3 cups of the flour in a large bowl with a whisk, or in the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment.
3. Combine the milk and butter in a small saucepan and heat over low heat just until the butter is melted.
4. If you are using a standing mixer, swap out the whisk attachment for the dough hook. In a slow, steady stream, mix the milk mixture into the sugar-salt-flour mixture. If mixing by hand, stir with a fork or wooden spoon. Add the egg, the yeast mixture and the remaining 1 cup of flour. Mix until a soft dough forms (you may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula). Cover tightly with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm spot until the dough doubles, 1 to 2 hours.
5. Heat about 3 inches of oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven until the temperature reaches about 370 degrees.
6. Divide the dough into thirds. Working in batches on a floured work surface, knead each piece briefly. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a rectangle less than one-fourth-inch thick. Cut the dough into roughly 3-inch squares and gently drop them, 2 or 3 at a time, into the hot oil. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, until golden brown, then flip them over carefully with a slotted spoon. Cook 1 to 1 1/2 minutes longer, until the beignets are puffed and evenly browned. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beignets to paper towels to drain off excess oil. Dust with powdered sugar and serve hot or warm.
I have to say I’m disappointed that this Oh, So Succulent stamp set didn’t make it to the new Stampin’ Up! 2017~2018 Annual Catalog. If you’re looking to pick one up, you have until May 31, 2017 to order one. Hopefully they won’t sell out by then!
