Mardi Gras is almost here! One treat that is traditionally enjoyed during this celebration is beignets. This dates back to before the days of New Orleans celebrations when beignets were a part of celebrations in France. Today, Disney fans at the Disneyland Resort can enjoy beignets any day when they stop by Tiana’s Palace or the Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square. In the Downtown Disney District, Biegnets Expressed also serves this delicious treat.
For those who can’t make it to the Disneyland Resort for Mardi Gras, Disney has shared its beignets recipe from Port Orleans Resort’s Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory. These have a lovely crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior that makes for a perfect beignet-eating experience. Check out the recipe below and then give it a try!
Beignets Recipe
From Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Yields 2 dozen small beignets
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 teaspoon dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (105º)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar
DIRECTIONS:
- Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a small bowl, stirring to dissolve. Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Combine sugar, shortening, salt, heavy cream, egg, flour and boiling water in a large bowl; stir in yeast mixture. With the dough hook attachment of an electric mixer on medium speed, mix the dough just until combined and smooth. Let dough rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll to 1/4-inch thickness and cut individual beignets into 2 x 3-inch pieces. Cover with a towel and let dough rise until doubled in size in a warm, draft-free area, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Pour enough oil into a deep-sided pot until it reaches 2 inches up sides; heat oil over medium heat to 350°F.
- Lightly press beignets to flatten slightly.
- Add a few beignets to oil; fry until golden brown on both sides, turning once.
- Remove from hot oil with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
- Dust with a generous amount of confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday” takes place the day before Lent begins. It is the celebration before the period of solemnity. New Orleans is known for its Mardi Gras celebrations, which can last for months.
What do you think of this recipe? How did it turn out for you? Do you have any tips to add for those who might make beignets? Share your thoughts, opinions, and experiences in the comments below! Happy Mardi Gras!
