Corsican Chestnut Beignets

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the fryer to 360 degrees F.
2. 2
   In the bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with a dough hook, add the yeast, sugar, shortening, and milk, mix for 2 minutes.
3. 3
   Add the egg.
4. 4
   Mix well.
5. 5
   Add 2 cups of the flour, the chestnut flour and salt.
6. 6
   Beat at low speed until all of the flour is incorporated, about 1 minute.
7. 7
   Then beat at medium speed until the mixture forms a ball, leaves the sides of the bowl, and climbs up the dough hook.
8. 8
   Remove the dough from the bowl.
9. 9
   Using your hands, form the dough into a smooth ball.
10. 10
    Lightly oil a bowl.
11. 11
    Place the dough in the bowl and turn it to oil all sides.
12. 12
    Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size, about 2 hours.
13. 13
    Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and pat the dough into a rectangle about 1-inch thick.
14. 14
    Lightly dust the surface of the dough.
15. 15
    Roll out the rectangle to 12 1/2 inches long by 10 inches wide and about 1/4-inch thick.
16. 16
    With a sharp knife, cut the dough into 20 (2 1/2-inch) square beignets.
17. 17
    Fry the beignets, a couple at a time until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3 to 5 minutes.
18. 18
    Remove and drain on paper towels.
19. 19
    Drizzle with honey or sprinkle with powdered sugar.
20. 20
    Serve warm.