Pages

Monday, August 24, 2009

Metamorphosis Monday and Beignets!

These have got to be the saddest before and after pictures ever. My only excuse is that my house is a disaster because I have a mountain of sewing that I've been concentrating on. I have to get it done this week, so of course my sewing machine spazzed out and is now recouperating at the sewing machine spa. Grrrr. So let's just say it's been a busy weekend! And this is one of the fruits of Jay's labor this weekend. Amelia no longer has to sleep on the floor!!!


He's been working on her bed (from scratch!) since February, but I got impatient. So when I spotted my little sister's old headboard in my parents sauna attic, I snagged it and brought it home! He spent the weekend building the side rails and supports for under the mattress and then painted the whole thing! He's still planning on making the headboard and footboard, but at least the mattress is up off the floor until then!


Before

After

Here's her new bed! I'd like to say 'ta da' but this picture is sooooo not 'ta da' worthy! I still have things to put back and then I'll post a nicer picture.



I've been thinking about beignets for a while, yum! Here's the recipe I've been using for years, in my recipe file it just says, 'New Orleans Beignets', so I have no clue where it's from. I was talking to my mom as I was making these and she suggested that I add nutmeg or something to the batter. Unfortunately for me I was too far into the recipe for that to be an option, but I highly recommend you try it, it would be amazing!!!

Ingredients
Work Area

Heat the water, butter, sugar and salt over medium-high heat.

Bring to a boil.

Stir in the flour.

Stir until mixture leaves the sides of the pan and forms a ball. Remove from heat.

Add an egg, stir to incorporate. (Here's where you earn yourself a few beignets. Your arms will ache by the time you're done. That's gotta be worth, what? 3? 4? 12?)

Repeat with remaining eggs and vanilla.

Stir until smooth(ish).

Check oil to be sure it's at 350. Any lower and your beignets will be soggy and greasy.

Drop batter by tablespoonsful into hot oil.

First round of beignets!

Babysit the temperature!

Drain on paper towel lined plate.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy!

By the way, I used my electric wok (I love that thing!) but you can use a dutch oven or a deep skillet.

New Orleans Beignets

1 cup of water
1/4 cup of butter, cubed
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cup flour
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
(1 teaspoon of nutmeg!)

oil for frying
powdered sugar for sprinkling

Heat the oil to 350 degrees.
In a medium pan, bring the water, butter, sugar and salt to a boil over medium high heat.
Add the flour and stir with a wooden spoon until it pulls away from the sides and forms a ball.
Remove from heat and add the eggs, one at a time, incorporating fully after each egg.
Add the vanilla and stir well.
Check the oil temperature to make sure it's at 350.
Drop batter by tablespoonsful into the oil.
Fry until golden and delicious, turning occasionally.
Remove to a paper towel lined plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Now, hop on over to Susan's Between Naps on the Porch to see all the metamorphosing fun!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

You certainly deserve a "hero" award. I can't imagine having three little ones and still finding time to sew and make beginets! Love your comments! Great job!

Jennie said...

Thank you :) That is what nap-time is for!