French Quarter Beignets (From Paula Deen)

I have been to New Orleans twice and one of the things that keeps me coming back are the wonderful beignets that we had most mornings for breakfast (along with a hurricane cocktail) at Cafe Du Monde. Here's a recipe from Paula Deen that is about as close to Cafe Du Monde as I can get without a plane ticket.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 36

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups  lukewarm water
• 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 (1/4ounce) envelope active dry yeast
• 2  eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons salt
• 1  cup evaporated milk
• 7  cups bread flour
• 1⁄4 cup shortening
•  nonstick cooking spray
•  oil, for deep-frying
• 3  cups confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. Mix water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl and let sit for 10 minutes.
2. In another bowl, beat the eggs, salt and evaporated milk together.
3. Mix egg mixture to the yeast mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, measure out the bread flour.
5. Add 3 cups of the flour to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
6. Add the shortening and continue to stir while adding the remaining flour.
7. Remove dough from the bowl, place onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth.
8. Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray. Put dough into the bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a towel.
9. Let rise in a warm place for at least 2 hours.
10. Preheat oil in a deep-fryer to 350 degrees F.
11. Add the confectioners' sugar to a paper or plastic bag and set aside.
12. Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into 1-inch squares.
13. Deep-fry, flipping constantly, until they become a golden color.
14. After beignets are fried, drain them for a few seconds on paper towels, and then toss them into the bag of confectioners' sugar.
15. Hold bag closed and shake to coat evenly.
16. Serve warm with syrup, if desired.