QUICK BEIGNETS

Serves: 4Hands on time: 30 minutesTotal time: 1 hourIngredients:1 cup all-purpose flour1 tablespoon granulated sugar1 teaspoon baking powder½ teaspoon kosher salt½ cup milk1 large egg, beaten1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted and cooledVegetable oil, for fryingPowdered sugar, for serving

Directions:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.  In a second medium bowl, whisk together the milk, egg and butter until smooth.  Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and whisk until just combined.  Do not overwork. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

When ready to fry, heat the oven to 275 degrees.  Place a paper towel-lined platter or baking sheet in the oven.  Heat 2 inches of the oil to 350 degrees in a large Dutch oven, or other heavy-bottomed pot, over medium-high heat.  Alternatively, heat the oil to 350 degrees in a deep fryer following the manufacturer's directions.

When the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil in small batches, taking care not to overcrowd the pot.  Cook until the exterior is golden brown and the interior is soft and fluffy, 4-5 minutes.  Using a slotted spoon, transfer to the prepared platter in the oven to keep warm.  Repeat with the remaining batter.

Dust the hot beignets generously with powdered sugar.  Serve hot.