Beignets

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups lukewarm water
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 envelope active dry yeast
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 7 cups bread flour
• ¼ cup shortening
• Nonstick spray
• Oil, for deep-frying
• 3 cups confectioners sugar

Steps:

In a large bowl, mix water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl and let sit for 10 minutes. Add eggs, salt, evaporated milk, and blend well. Mix in 4 cups of the flour and beat until smooth. Add the shortening, and then the remaining 3 cups of flour. Remove dough from the bowl, place onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray. Put dough into the bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a towel. Let rise in a warm place for at least 2 hours. Roll out dough 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 2 1/2 inch squares. Fry in 360 degree hot oil. If beignets do not pop up, oil is not hot enough. Drain onto paper towels. Shake confectioners sugar on hot beignets. Serve warm.