There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly fried pastries wafting through the kitchen—especially on a lazy Sunday morning when all you want is to indulge in something sweet and satisfying. I still remember the first time I tried Vanilla French Beignets at a charming little café in New Orleans.
Prepare the dough: In a bowl, mix warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle in the active dry yeast, allowing it to foam for about 5-10 minutes.
Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and eggs. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and vanilla extract, stirring until a rough dough forms.
Knead gently: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
Proof the dough: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour.
Shape the beignets: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into squares or triangles, about 2 inches each side.
Heat the oil: In a deep pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F.
Fry the beignets: Fry the dough pieces for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and puffed.
Dust with sugar: Remove the beignets with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Dust generously with powdered sugar while they’re still warm.
Optional: Pair your beignets with a decadent chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.
Find it online: https://recipecrown.com/vanilla-french-beignets/