New Orleans Beignets

Ingredients

• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup barley flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 gallon vegetable oil (for frying)
• powdered sugar, for sprinkling

Directions

1. 1

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose and barley flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix well.

2. 2

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.

3. 3

   Add the melted butter and vanilla, mixing well.

4. 4

   Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well.

5. 5

   Divide the dough into two balls.

6. 6

   On a floured surface, knead each ball 10 to 20 times and roll out into a 9 x 9 inch square that is 1/8 inch thick.

7. 7

   Cut the big square into 12 smaller squares.

8. 8

   Pour oil into cast-iron Dutch oven or other deep, heavy bottomed pot until it reaches a depth of 3 to 4 inches. Heat oil over medium-high heat to 375 degrees.

9. 9

   Fry 3 or 4 beignets at a time, turning once shortly after dropping them into the hot oil, for about 2 minutes or until lightly browned on both sides.

10. 10

    Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper.

11. 11

    Sprinkle with powdered sugar.