Mardi Gras Beignets

By carvalhohm

Celebrate Mardi Gras with a New Orleans classic! Beignets are basically fritters, in that they're made from dough that's dropped into hot oil and deep-fried until golden and delicious. Before they're ready to be enjoyed our Mardi Gras Beignets are sprinkled with confectioners' sugar, just like they do in N'awlins!

Ingredients

• 1 (1 pound) loaf bread dough, frozen & thawed
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar, divided
• 2 cups vegetable shortening

Preparation

Step 1

In a medium bowl, combine bread dough and 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar; mix well.

Using your hands, knead sugar into dough. Lightly flour a cutting board and, with a floured rolling pin, roll out dough to an 8" x 20" rectangle. Cut into 2-inch squares.

In a large deep skillet, heat shortening over medium heat until hot. Add dough squares a few at a time and cook in batches for about 30 seconds per side, or until golden. Drain on a paper towel-lined platter.

Sprinkle beignets with remaining 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar and serve warm.