Beignets With Cinnamon Sugar Food

BEIGNETS WITH CINNAMON SUGAR

Steps:

• Mix 50ml (1.7 oz) of water, milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl of a stand mixer and let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature.
• Add the flour, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder, 1/2 teaspoon of allspice powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cloves powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder and rum to the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Knead using a stand mixer fitted with dough hook. Add the egg and continue to knead for about 3 - 5 minutes. The dough has to be glossy and smooth. Cut the butter into small cubes and slowly incorporate it into the dough. Knead once again. Cover with a kitchen towel and let proof on room temperature for about 35 minutes or until doubled in size.
• Roll the dough out to about 0.5 cm (1/4-inch) thickness and cut into 5 cm (2-inch) squares. Place each beignet on a tray lined with parchment paper. Leave a bit of space in between each beignet. Cover with a kitchen towel and let proof for about 15 minutes.
• In a bowl stir together the sugar, cinnamon powder and seeds from 1/2 vanilla bean. Set aside.
• Get a heavy-based saucepan. Fill it up to the halfway point with rapeseed oil. Heat the oil to 165 - 170°C/330 - 340°F. Carefully remove the beignets from the baking tray, take care not to deflate them, and put them into the oil. Cover with a lid. Fry for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Don't cover with a lid when you turn the beignets around. Remove from the oil and drain them on kitchen paper. Set aside to cool slightly.
• Coat the beignets with cinnamon sugar while they are still a bit warm and serve immediately.

CINNAMON AND SUGAR BEIGNETS

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine the warm water, yeast and 1 teaspoons of the sugar. Set in a warm place for 10 minutes.
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter, remaining white sugar and the cinnamon. Add the eggs and yolk one at a time, beating well with a wooden spoon after each addition. Beat in the yeast mixture, salt and flour until smooth.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot until the dough has doubled in size, about 2 hours. Punch down the dough in the bowl, cover again and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight.
• Heat the oil to 325 F (160 C). Meanwhile, turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and press to a 1" thickness. Using a 2" cookie cutter dipped into flour, stamp out the beignets. Press scraps together and pat into a 1" thickness. Cut out the remaining beignets.
• Fry beignets, 4 at a time, turning occasionally until they're evenly browned (about 5 mins). With the slotted spoon, carefully scoop them out and place on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Roll the beignets in the Cinnamon Sugar while they're still warm.
• Note: Also good rolling them in powdered/confectioners sugar.

BEIGNETS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, salt, eggs, evaporated milk, and blend well. Mix in 4 cups of the flour and beat until smooth. Add the shortening, and then the remaining 3 cups of flour. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours.
• Roll out dough 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 2 1/2 inch squares. Fry in 360 degree F (180 degrees C) hot oil. If beignets do not pop up, oil is not hot enough. Drain onto paper towels.
• Shake confectioners' sugar on hot beignets. Serve warm.