A Mardi Gras Baking Adventure with Cuisipro

Mardi Gras is a time for indulgence and celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious baked goods? One classic treat that you absolutely have to try during Mardi Gras is beignets, those fluffy, pillowy fried doughnuts that are a staple of New Orleans cuisine. And to make sure your beignets turn out perfectly every time, you'll need some key baking tools from Cuisipro.

But first, let's talk about what makes beignets so special. These delightful treats are essentially deep-fried choux pastry, which means they're made with a dough that's light, airy, and not too sweet. The dough is cut into squares or circles, then fried until golden brown and dusted with a generous amount of powdered sugar. It's a simple recipe, but the results are truly magical.

Mardi Gras baking with Cuisipro Beignets recipe

Here are some key tips for making the perfect beignets:

    1. Use lukewarm water: The water you use to activate the yeast should be lukewarm, around 110°F. Water that is too hot or too cold can affect the activation of the yeast and prevent the dough from rising properly.
    2. Don't rush the dough: The dough needs time to rise properly, so make sure to let it sit in a warm place for at least an hour, or until it has doubled in size. Don't try to rush the process by placing the dough in a hot oven or microwave, as this can damage the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
    3. Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature: To ensure that your beignets are cooked through and evenly browned, it's important to fry them at the right temperature. Use a thermometer to check that the oil is at 350°F before frying, and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a consistent temperature.
    4. Don't over-crowd the pot: Fry the beignets in batches to prevent them from sticking together and to ensure that they cook evenly. Overcrowding the pot can cause the oil temperature to drop and make the beignets greasy and undercooked.
    5. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving: To prevent the powdered sugar from melting and becoming sticky, dust the beignets with powdered sugar just before serving. You can use a sifter or a fine-mesh strainer to dust the beignets evenly.

    Here are a few Cuisipro products that we recommend:

    1. Cuisipro Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons: When making any kind of dough, precise measurements are key. These measuring cups are made from high-quality stainless steel and feature clear, easy-to-read markings. They're also dishwasher-safe, which means clean-up is a breeze.

    2. Cuisipro Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl: A good mixing bowl is essential for making any kind of dough. It's made from heavy-gauge stainless steel, which means it's durable and long-lasting. It also has a flat base that keeps it steady on your counter while you mix.

    3. Cuisipro Cooling Rack: Once your beignets are fried and drained, transfer them to the Cuisipro Cooling Rack to cool completely. The rack is designed to elevate your food off of the countertop, which allows air to circulate underneath and helps the beignets cool faster and more evenly. 

    Now that you have all your essential baking tools, it's time to get started on the beignets themselves 

    The Perfect New Orleans style beignets

    Ingredients:

    • 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 envelope active dry yeast
    • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
    • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
    • 1 cup evaporated milk
    • 7 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
    • Vegetable oil, for frying
    • Powdered sugar, for dusting

    Instructions:

    1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the water, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy.
    2. Add the eggs, salt, and evaporated milk to the bowl and mix well.
    3. Gradually add in the flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring until the dough comes together.
    4. Add the shortening to the bowl and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
    5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
    6. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.
    7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
    8. Cut the dough into 2-inch squares or circles.
    9. Fry the beignets in batches, flipping them over once, until they are golden brown and puffy, about 3-4 minutes.
    10. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beignets from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate. and transfer to wire rack. 
    11. Dust the beignets with powdered sugar and serve warm. 

    A delicious beignets recipe, complete with all the essential baking tools! Whether you're celebrating Mardi Gras or just looking for a sweet treat, these beignets are the perfect treat!

     

    Enjoy!

    Back to Blog