Beignets

Ingredients

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Shortening (1/4 cup)
• Bread flour (7 cups)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Evaporated milk (1 cup)
• Eggs (2)
• Yeast (1 package)
• Sugar (1/2 cup)
• Warm water (1 1/4 cups)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and then stir in yeast. Allow to sit until yeast mixture is frothy, about 5 minutes.
2. Beat the eggs, evaporated milk, and salt into the yeast mixture.
3. Mix in 3 cups of the flour, then mix in the shortening. Once the shortening is combined, mix in the remaining flour until dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
6. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 370°F.
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 1 1/2 inch squares.
8. Fry the squares in the hot oil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
9. Dust the hot beignets with powdered sugar and serve immediately.