Sweet Beignets

Photo: flickr user balavenise

Ingredients

2 quarts Vegetable oil for deep-frying

cup Sifted flour + extra for rolling

teaspoon Cream of tartar

teaspoon Baking soda

teaspoon Nutmeg

teaspoon Salt

1 cup Sugar

4 Eggs lightly beaten

cup Vegetable shortening melted

cup Milk

teaspoon Grated lemon rind

Powdered sugar in a sugar shaker

Preparation

In a deep-fryer heat oil over medium-high heat to 365 degrees.

Into a bowl sift together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt and nutmeg. In a large bowl whisk together sugar and eggs; stir in melted shortening, milk and lemon rind. Using a wooden spoon, beat dry ingredients into egg mixture until a biscuit-like dough forms. Lightly flour work surface and turn out dough. Pat dough out to a 1/4-inch thick round. Use a 2 1/2- to 3-inch biscuit cutter to cut rounds. Reroll scraps.

Fry beignets in small batches about 4 minutes or until golden, turning several times to color evenly. Using a slotted spoon gently remove beignets and drain thoroughly on paper towels. Shake powdered sugar over beignets and serve immediately.

This recipe yields about 1 dozen 2 1/2-inch beignets.