Disney Beignets
Disney beignets are just like the ones found at Disneyland, shaped like Mickey and served with a vanilla cream anglaise.
Servings: 12
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water, 105°F
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg, whisked
- ½ teaspoon salt
- dash nutmeg
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoon vegetable shortening
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
- vegetable oil for frying
- powdered sugar
Vanilla Creme Anglaise
- ¾ cup half and half
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract, (or paste)
- 2 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup sugar
Instructions
Beignets
- Add warm water to a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top and stir to dissolve. Allow the yeast to activate (about 5 minutes).
- In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), add the sugar, egg, salt, nutmeg, heavy cream, and shortening. Mix to combine.
- Pour in the activated yeast and mix.
- Add the flour to the mix. Use the dough hook attachment on a stand mixer and mix on medium speed until ingredients are combined and dough is smooth but still slightly sticky.
- Form a ball with the dough and place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise for about 1 hour.
- Use a deep-sided heavy pot and add 3 inches of vegetable oil. Heat over medium-high heat until oil reaches 370°F (cooler than this won't cook the beignets fast enough and hotter than this will burn them quite easily).
- On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough until it is ½ inch thick. Use Mickey Cookie cutter to cut out Mickey-shaped pieces of dough.
- Working in batches fry the beignets until golden brown, about 1 minute on each side.
- Use tongs to remove the beignets from the hot oil. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. While the beignets are still warm, dust them completely with powdered sugar. Serve immediately.
Vanilla Creme Anglaise
- While the dough ball is rising, make your vanilla creme sauce.
- Add the half and half to a small pot on medium heat. Bring it to a low simmer and then turn off the burner.
- Add your egg yolks and ¼ cup sugar to a heat-proof bowl and whisk together.
- Then slowly pour in the hot half and half. Whisk constantly.
- Once it has been combined pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Continue to whisk over low heat until it thickens a bit. (180°F) To check: dip the back of a spoon into the mixture. The creme should evenly coat it without dripping off.
- Pour the custard through a mesh strainer to remove any lumps/skin that can form.
- Add vanilla and stir well. Cover the creme and place it in the fridge to chill. Serve alongside the beignets.
Notes
Make ahead of time. These are best served freshly fried, but the dough can be made and stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. It will slowly rise. Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling and cutting. Cut out the dough shapes and place on lined trays. Cover with plastic and keep in the fridge for up to 2 hours, bring to room temperature, then fry.
Fry and keep them warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes before serving.
STORE leftover Disney Beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. They may last longer but will grow stale with time.
FREEZE them for 1-2 months.
To reheat. Microwave for a few seconds to reheat them quickly, or place them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. Eat them before they cool off.
Nutrition
Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 115mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 260IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg