New Orleans Beignets

No trip to New Orleans is complete without stopping in at Cafe Du Monde for their spectacular beignets and cafe au lait. Here is a home version—when frying, make sure to maintain the heat at exactly 325° and do not crowd them in the frying vessel, or they will be greasy and soggy. The Glory of Southern Cooking.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 3  cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1⁄2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  cup  whole milk
• 1  cup water
• 1  large egg, beaten
•  vegetable oil, for deep frying
• 1⁄2 cup powdered sugar

Directions

1. Sift together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt into a big bowl.
2. In a smaller bowl, combine the milk, water, and egg; whisk until well blended.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients; stir until the batter is well blended and smooth.
4. In a deep-fat fryer or deep, heavy skillet, heat about 2 inches of oil over med-high heat until it reaches 325° on a deep fat thermometer.
5. Drop the batter by heaping teaspoons into the fat about 10 at a time (never overcrowding the vessel), fry until golden brown, 6-7 minutes, and drain on paper towels.
6. Place the powdered sugar in a fine sieve and sprinkle generously over the beignets.