Recipe: French Beignets

FRENCH BEIGNETS

1/2 cup water
4 Tbsp. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
Powdered sugar

Combine water, butter, sugar and salt in medium saucepan and bring to a steady boil. Reduce to medium heat and add flour all at once. Stir vigorously, without stopping, until the mixture comes together and takes on a shine.

Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl (don't worry if a slight crust formed on the bottom of the pan).

Add eggs, one at a time, beating on medium speed for 2-3 minutes after each addition, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Once the mixture is smooth, shiny and folds over on itself in a ribbon when the beater is lifted, beat in the vanilla.

Immediately drop dough, a tablespoon at a time, into a deep fryer or skillet partially filled with fat heated to 365 degrees F. Fry 4 or 5 beignets at a time until puffed and golden brown on both sides.

Drain well on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Makes 12-15 beignets
Source: Joy of Cooking