If you guys follow on Instagram, then you probably know we had the biggest snowstorm over the weekend and into Monday. So much snow! In fact it was the most snow we’ve seen all winter with snow piling up pretty much all day on Sunday. The highway was closed, my brother’s flight out cancelled, and by mid-afternoon on Sunday, school for Monday was cancelled too. Basically we could do two things, head outside into the snow to play, or stay inside and be cozy. Can you guess what I did? Yeah, I stayed inside and made you all beignets. Once I realized that today is Mardi Gras, I just knew beignets were the right thing to do. Beignets are one the first sweet things I ever made for my mom. They hold many great memories for the two of us. I think I’ve told this story before, but back when I was in 7th grade Mom and I headed to our local outdoor shopping mall in Westlake, Ohio. I can’t really remember what our mission was (did we really need one?). But we ended up at the beignet cart with a plate full of beignets and ideas brewing in our heads. This is the moment where we began to plot our move to Colorado. I remember it like it was yesterday. And it’s still one of my favorite moments. Because it was one where I was able to spend time with just mom. With five brothers, it was a rare event to get mom all to myself. The beignets were just the icing on the cake. Or maybe I should say the powdered sugar on the beignet?? Anyway, point is, I’m glad I made these, even more excited to share them, and happy I was able to make a spur of the moment recipe thanks to a whole lot of snow. Now, the details. I know beignets might seem like a scary thing to make, but essentially they’re just doughnuts, yet soo much easier. The trickiest part is frying, which yes, is annoying, but also worth it. And before you all ask, yes, you can bake these. But I found them to be kind of dry and boring. Sometimes you just have to jump all in when it comes to sweets. None of that half way stuff, you know? I like to make my beignet dough with buttermilk. I’m not sure if this is traditional, but the buttermilk is what really makes these light and airy. It gives them a bit of a slight tang too. In addition to the buttermilk, I also like to add a touch of both cinnamon and vanilla. The cinnamon adds a really nice warmth that I’ve found especially nice. It’s not even that you notice a cinnamon flavor, but more of a subtle warmth and depth of flavor. And the vanilla? Well, vanilla should be in all sweets. Fact. Once the dough has had some time to rise, it’s time to roll it out and fry. The best thing about beignets is that unlike doughnuts, you don’t need any fancy cutters. Just roll the dough out and use a knife to cut squares. Super simple. Then fry the dough in a bit of oil and dust each beignet with powdered sugar. You can go as light or as heavy as you’d like with the sugar. I like to toss the beignets in a bowl of powdered sugar, and then vigorously shake off the excess. I know this may seem counter productive, but it just works. Most important? You must, must serve these with either coffee or hot chocolate. Coffee is a bit more traditional, but we much prefer a thick and creamy hot chocolate over here. Also delicious? Warm beignets smeared with your favorite jam…or just go all out and smear with a bit of Nutella. All of the above work. So pick your favorite and enjoy some beignets this week. And happy Mardi Gras! If you make these cinnamon buttermilk beignets, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
