Beignets

Beignets

(Cafe du monde in New Orleans if famous for their Beignets. I was looking for my recipe and realized I never posted one of my favorites. I like these better than Cafe du Monde.. is that sacrilegious for a Cajun girl to say? but true 'dat anyway!)

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup evaporated milk
5-7 cups all-purpose flour (Last time I made them all I needed was 5 cups?)
1/4 cup shortening
1 quart vegetable oil for frying
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, salt, eggs, evaporated milk, and blend well. Mix in 4 cups of the flour and beat until smooth. Add the shortening, and then the remaining 3 cups of flour. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours. Roll out dough 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 2 1/2 inch squares. Fry in 360º hot oil. If beignets do not pop up, oil is not hot enough. Drain onto paper towels. Shake confectioners' sugar on hot beignets. Serve warm