Beignets

Directions

1. 1
   Pour the warm water into a large bowl, sprinkle in the yeast, and add 2 teaspoons of the sugar.
2. 2
   Stir until dissolved.
3. 3
   Let sit and proof for 10 minutes.
4. 4
   Add the remaining sugar, salt, egg, and evaporated milk.
5. 5
   Gradually stir in 2 cups of the flour and beat with a wooden spoon until smooth and thoroughly blended.
6. 6
   Beat in the butter, then add the remaining flour.
7. 7
   Beat it in with a spoon until it becomes too stiff to stir, and work in the rest with your hands.
8. 8
   Put the dough into a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
9. 9
   Preheat the oven to 200F.
10. 10
    On a lightly-floured board, roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch, and cut 2 1/2- by 3 1/2-inch pieces with a sharp knife.
11. 11
    Heat the vegetable oil in a 5 1/2-quart Dutch oven to 360F.
12. 12
    When it reaches the desired temperature, turn the heat down slightly.
13. 13
    Fry the beignets in batches of 4, turning them over a few times until they puff up and are golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per batch).
14. 14
    Remove with a slotted spoon to layers of paper towels, then transfer to your preheated oven until all the beignets are finished.
15. 15
    Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar, and serve on a platter or on dessert plates.