Food * Mini Beignets Recipe {french doughnuts}

We are starting of the New Year with delicious Mini Beignets {french doughnuts} and some rich creamy homemade chocolate truffle hot cocoa. The recipe for the hot cocoa can be found in the Winter 2010-11 issue of Simply the Sweet Life Magazine.
We're Expecting Miracles everyday for a wonderful New Year! There are so many great things coming up for 2011 & Simply the Sweet Life Magazine including more great contributing editors from around the world! Amazing recipes, beautiful parties {in real life & in the magazine} great destinations for traveling with the family and more. It's going to be a great year. We are so happy you found us and are reading Simply the Sweet Life.
From our Home to Yours- Happy New Year!
xo
April-Living the Sweet Life

Mini Beignet Recipe
{french doughnuts}

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
• 2 eggs lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup half and half
• 7 cups flour
• 1/4 cup butter
• Vegetable Oil
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar

Using a  large bowl, mix yeast in warm water stir to dissolve and let stand for 1 minute. Add sugar, salt, beaten eggs, & half and half. Mix with mixer. Add 4- 41/2  cups of the flour. Mix until smooth. Add butter and remaining flour. Cover and chill. Can be made ahead and chilled overnight. Roll out on floured counter top or cutting board to about 1/4 of an inch thickness. Cut into 1 1/2 inch squares. Deep fry at 360° for 1-2 minutes on each side until light golden brown. Place on paper towels. While still hot pour powdered sugar over top. Be generous. In New Orleans they pour large amounts over the beignets. They will come out as little puffed clouds of heavenly melt in your mouth pastries.

Simple Sweet Life Tip: I have made the dough without chilling overnight. I just popped it into the freezer for 20 minutes to chill. They will be slightly different but still very good. It will turn out fine this way if you decide to make some at the last minute and not the night before. Enjoy!

recipe by April A. founder & editor-in-chief | photo by Season Atwater contributing photographer- April spends her time looking for ways to make Sweet as editor-in-chief of Simply the Sweet Life.

pretty snowflake paper cones to serve our mini beignets from the Dear Lizzie collection at American Crafts