Beautiful Breakfast Beignet Bites

I have wanted to visit New Orleans for a very long time but have never gotten there. I was assigned the task of researching a beignet recipe for a menu we are planning. I jumped at the opportunity to travel south even if it was only vicariously through food. I got tips and recipes from several friends on Facebook. Most of the recipes are similar put I guess the one I ended up relying on the most is this one  from allrecipes.com  These were served with a crème anglaise but there are many options to serve on the side and they are pretty good with nothing but the dusting of sugar.

Beignet Recipe

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
  
• 1/2 cup white sugar
  
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
• 2 eggs
  
• 1 cup evaporated milk
  
• 7 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1/4 cup shortening
  
• 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
  
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

Click on over for the directions http://allrecipes.com/recipe/beignets/.  I allowed the dough to rest overnight and it was very easy to roll the next morning. I rolled the dough 1/8th of an inch thick as recommended but I wanted smaller beignets more like sticks so I cut the about a half  inch wide and 1.5 inches long.

I was very surprised how easy these were to make and they really are quite delicious. You can cut them any shape you like but I did like the bite sized ones I made.The recipe scales up very well I quadrupled this recipe and it worked like a charm.

Just a taste of some of the items we were working on.

I am off to Ireland for a family visit early next week but have the link up and giveaway open while I am away so please pop over and either add a link or leave a comment there are two Muir Glen gift baskets up for grabs. 

http://www.theculinarylens.com/2012/04/muir-glen-sweet-springtime-link-up-and.html

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I am linking this up Yummy Inspiration Breakfast Mondays

Chocolate Crème Brulee Recipe: Sweet Simplicity Caramelized

I always feel Crème Brulees gives you a lot for your buck. It is a very easy dish to prepare but it tastes like you put a lot of work and effort into it.

  

Chocolate Crème Brulee Recipe

• 3/4 Quart Heavy Cream
• 2/3 Cup of Sugar
• 1/3 Cup of Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 6 Egg Yolk
• Extra Sugar To Caramelize

Bring cream and the sugar to boil over a low flame stirring occasionally. Add in chocolate chips to melt. Meanwhile whip egg yolks in a bowl. Slowly add hot milk and chocolate to egg yolks mixing constantly being careful not to scramble  the eggs. Place ramekins on a sheet pan and divide mixture between the ramekins. Place in a 250F oven. Pour hot water onto sheet pan to come half way up ramekin. Cook for around 30 minutes until set.

When cooled sprinkle tops with sugar and caramelize either using a torch or under a broiler.