Beignets

My Unexpected Beignet Adventure: A Busy Mom's Sweet Escape

Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between early morning school runs, demanding deadlines at the office, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and dinner prep, finding time for myself feels like a luxury. But even amidst the chaos, a little sweetness can go a long way. That's where these beignets come in. I stumbled upon this recipe while searching for a quick and easy treat, something that wouldn't take up too much of my already precious free time, and let me tell you, these exceeded all expectations.

I’m not exactly a culinary whiz. My kitchen skills generally lean towards “functional” rather than “fancy.” But these beignets? They're surprisingly easy. The recipe itself is straightforward, even for a busy mom like me. The most time-consuming part is the waiting – the hour-long rise time for the dough and the short pauses between frying batches. But even those waiting periods are manageable, offering small pockets of calm amidst the usual rush. I often use this time to check emails, catch up on social media, or just enjoy a quiet moment with a cup of tea.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can prepare the dough ahead of time, storing it in the fridge for a few days. This feature is an absolute lifesaver. On hectic mornings, knowing I have the dough ready to go takes a significant weight off my shoulders. It’s a game-changer, honestly. I can even have a little something sweet on busy days without stressing too much about preparation.

The reward? Absolutely heavenly. These airy, fluffy squares of fried dough, generously coated in powdered sugar, are a pure delight. They offer a perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft, pillowy interior, the sweetness perfectly complementing the light texture. These beignets are simply irresistible and a great way to unwind after a long day. The joy it brings to my kids is unparalleled.

Beyond the Recipe: A Moment of Peace

More than just a delicious treat, these beignets have become a small ritual, a tiny moment of calm amidst the chaos of my life. The act of making them—the careful measuring, the gentle stirring, the satisfying sizzle of the dough in the hot oil—is almost meditative. It's a brief escape, a chance to focus on something simple and rewarding, even if it's just for a few minutes. In a world that constantly demands our attention, these little moments of peace are invaluable. And the best part? Sharing them with my family.

So, if you're a busy mom (or anyone, really) who's looking for a simple yet extraordinary treat, give these beignets a try. They're easy to make, incredibly delicious, and offer a little bit of sweetness and serenity in even the busiest of lives. Believe me, it’s a perfect treat for that much needed "me-time". I highly recommend trying this out! They're so good you won't be able to stop at just one. Happy baking!

Step-by-step

• In the same bowl you heated the water to 105° in, add the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Stir to dissolve. Let it sit and confirm the yeast is active---it will foam. If it does not foam, throw it out and start over.
• Meanwhile, combine the shortening, sugar, milk, and egg white in a small cup. Whisk together well, then add the boiling water. Test the temperature of this mixture, and when it's between 105-110°, add it to the foamy yeast mixture. Stir well.
• Add the flour to the bowl, and stir gently to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 1 hour. You can make the dough ahead of time up to this point. I have kept dough for 3 days in the fridge before frying, and it's fine.
• Heat the oil in a deep pot to 360°.
• Meanwhile, divide the dough in half, and roll it out on a floured counter into a square about 6" wide. Use a pizza wheel to cut it into 5 or 6 squares. (see photo above for reference)
• When the oil is at 360°, drop in 3 square of dough. Do not walk away. The first side fries for 1-2 minutes. When golden brown on one side, flip the squares using a fork and continue to fry. When that side is golden brown (about 1 minute more), remove from the oil onto a cooling rack lined with paper towels.
• Roll out the other half of the dough, cut into squares, and fry all the squares.
• After cooling for about 5 minutes, dunk the beignets into the powdered sugar. Serve with all the extra powdered sugar piled on top.