Beignets
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 ½ teaspoon salt
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk, divided
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large egg
Vegetable oil for frying
Cane syrup, molasses or confectioner’s sugar, optional
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, ½ cup milk, the oil and egg; mix until blended and any big lumps of flour and baking powder are broken up. Add remaining cup plus 2 tablespoons milk, stirring vigorously until only tiny lumps remain and batter is the consistency of a pancake batter, about 5 minutes.
In a deep skillet or deep fryer, heat at least 1 ½ inches of oil to 350 degrees. Slide batter by large tablespoonfuls into the hot oil (use another tablespoon to push batter off).
Fry in single-layer batches until dark golden brown on both sides and centers are cooked, 4 to 6 minutes, turning at least once. Do not crowd. Maintain temperature as close to 350 degrees as possible. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately as is, or with cane syrup, molasses, or sprinkle with sugar. Makes about 2 dozen.
