Thanks Dawn for another addition to the Sweet Freedom; Living Allergen Free Series!
I had a chance to actually eat these sweet treats last night and I can assure you this recipe is worth your time, gluten free or not.
ENJOY!
If you've been to New Orleans then you probably stopped at Cafe Du Monde for a sampling of their strong French coffee with chicory and of course....a beignet. These delicious bites of dough are quickly fried then sprinkled with a healthy dose of powdered sugar and served pipping hot. Several years ago, before going gluten free, I was lucky enough to find out just how yummy these were for myself. I always remember them around this time of the year and have often wished I could eat them again. Imagine my delight when I found a recipe for a gluten free version of these Louisiana staples! I never share a recipe with you that I don't personally endorse, so of course I mixed up a batch. After sharing them with both my husband and Bible study group, this tasty recipe receives two thumbs up! Mix a batch up today before you do something crazy like giving up sweets for lent!
New Orleans Beignets
1 cup warm water (110° F)
1/4 cup granulated cane sugar
1 package rapid rise yeast
1 large egg
1/2 cup evaporated milk (dairy or see directions below for non-dairy)
3 3/4 cup Gluten Free flour mix
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbs. shortening
vegetable oil for frying
confectioner’s sugar to dust Beignets
Combine the warm water, sugar and yeast; stir and set aside to activate the yeast. Allow mixture to sit until it becomes frothy, at least 5 minutes. Meanwhile, beat together the egg and milk. Add 1 cup of the Gluten Free and the salt. Beat until integrated. Cut the shortening into small chunks and mix in with the 1 cup flour, egg and milk. Slowly beat in remaining flour and the proofed yeast mixture until completely mixed. The dough should not be stiff or sticky at this point.
Turn the dough out onto a clean surface or pastry mat dusted with Jules Gluten Free™ All Purpose Flour. Roll gently into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle. Using a large, sharp knife, cut strips of dough 2 inches wide, on a diagonal (not straight up and down, leaving a diagonal edge to the strips). Cut across these strips in the same way, creating diamond-shaped Beignets. Leave any scraps of dough to test the temperature of the oil – do not knead together and cut again. Place cut Beignets onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover loosely with a damp towel. Allow to rise in a warming drawer or an oven brought to 200° F, then turned off. The Beignets will roughly double in size after rising for 50 – 90 minutes (I’ve left them covered overnight to rise as well, and they turned out great!)
After the Beignets have risen, pour vegetable oil (high heat, preferably) into a large saucepan to a depth of 2-3 inches. Heat the oil on medium-high to 310° – 360° F. Test the temperature of the oil by using any risen scraps of dough remaining. Gently submerge a piece of dough in oil – if it rises to the top of the oil immediately and begins to bubble, the oil is hot enough; if it does not rise to the top of the oil, it is not hot enough. If the dough turns dark brown within 30 seconds of being submerged, the oil is too hot.
Once the oil is to temperature, gently submerge 2 – 3 Beignets in hot oil and cook until lightly browned and puffed on each side – approximately 1- 2 minutes only. Remove with a skimmer or slotted spoon to drain on paper towels, and sprinkle confectioner’s sugar liberally over top of each Beignet. Serve warm.
Yield: approximately 15 Beignets.
Directions for Non-Dairy Evaporated Milk:
Measure 1 cup non-dairy milk of choice and pour into a small saucepan. Over low-medium heat, stir milk occasionally to prevent a skin from forming or the milk from sticking to the pan. Heat until the milk is reduced by half to measure 1/2 cup of liquid (allow approximately 30 minutes for this process). Once reduced, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before adding to dough per recipe.
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