Cheese and Onion Beignets

From about.com. we usually add garlic powder with the other seasonings!

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 12 medium beignets

Ingredients

•  vegetable oil, to deep-fry
• 4  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2⁄3 cup water
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2  medium eggs, beaten
• 1⁄2 cup  grated cheddar cheese
• 1  shallot, minced
•  salt and cayenne pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oil in a deep-fryer or heavy stock pot to 400°F
2. To make the pastry, heat the butter and water together in a saucepan until the butter has melted, then bring to a rolling boil. Add the flour all at once. Immediately take the pan off the heat and beat vigorously, until the mixture forms a ball and leaves the sides of the pan. A sturdy wooden spoon works best.
3. Gradually add the beaten eggs, beating well between each addition, until they are well mixed into the dough; add the Cheddar cheese, shallot, and seasonings.
4. Carefully slide teaspoonfuls of the choux pastry into the hot oil and deep-fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Drain thoroughly on paper towels and serve hot.
6. NOTE: Make sure your frying oil is hot enough. If it is not hot enough, you will end of with greasy greasy food! First thing you learn about frying food as a Southerner. Start your oil hot and keep it hot! :).