Beignets (85 calorie 'doughnuts')

1 cup warm water (110 degrees)
1 packet rapid rise yeast
3 tbsp granulated sugar
3 cups all purpose flour
3/4 tsp table salt
2 large eggs
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 tsp of pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup confectioner's sugar

Plus Vegetable oil for frying (enough to fill 1 and 1/2 inches deep of your desired pot)

Use REAL vanilla extract

Combine yeast, water and ONE tablespoon sugar in a bowl, let sit for 10 minutes or until foamy.

Combine flour, remaining 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and salt in second bowl.

Whisk eggs and 2 tablespoons oil into yeast mixture. Add flour mixture and stir vigorously with rubber spatula until dough comes together. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until nearly doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Place half of dough on well-floured counter and pat into rough rectangle with floured hands, flipping to coat with flour. Roll dough into ¼-inch-thick rectangle, cut into twelve equal pieces using a pizza cutter. Repeat with remaining dough.

Heat frying oil to 350 degrees, pot should be at least 1 and 1/2 inches deep with oil. Fry six pieces of dough at a time, about a minute per side, until lightly browned. Place on a cooling rack when done.

When all beignets are fried, sprinkle with confectioner's sugar using a fine mesh strainer.

Serving Size: 24 beignets

Number of Servings: 24

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user INDIGOPANTHRESS.