Beignets are square, deep-fried doughnuts from New Orleans, dusted with powdered sugar, known for their light, fluffy texture. This recipe is inspired by the famous beignets at Copeland’s Brunch, a restaurant celebrated for its authentic New Orleans flavors, bringing a taste of the city to your kitchen.
Time and Difficulty
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes to mix the dough.
- Chilling Time: 2 to 24 hours, allowing flexibility for your schedule.
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes for rolling, cutting, and frying.
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, mostly waiting for the dough to chill.
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate, as it involves yeast dough and deep-frying, but the steps are easy to follow with guidance.
Why It’s Special
This recipe captures the essence of Copeland’s Brunch beignets, offering a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert, pairing wonderfully with coffee or hot chocolate.
Detailed Guide to Making Copeland’s Brunch Beignets at Home
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to have a piece of New Orleans right in your own home? With our famous beignets from Copeland’s Brunch, you can do just that! Beignets are traditional New Orleans-style doughnuts, square-shaped, deep-fried, and generously dusted with powdered sugar, known for their light, fluffy texture. They’re a must-try for anyone who loves pastries or has a sweet tooth.
Our recipe is inspired by the famous beignets served at Copeland’s Brunch, a restaurant chain known for its authentic New Orleans cuisine. Through web searches, we confirmed Copeland’s offers brunch menus including beignets at locations like Atlanta and Jacksonville, with details found on Copeland’s Atlanta and Copeland’s of New Orleans. Although specific recipes weren’t publicly available, general New Orleans beignets recipes were used as a base, aligning with Copeland’s style.
Recipe Overview
What makes this recipe special is its connection to Copeland’s Brunch, offering a taste of their renowned beignets at home. The process involves mixing dough, chilling it for leavening, and frying to achieve that signature light, airy texture.
- Time Requirement:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes to mix the dough.
- Chilling Time: 2 to 24 hours, providing flexibility for make-ahead preparation.
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes for rolling, cutting, and frying.
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, with most time spent chilling.
- Difficulty Level: Rated intermediate due to handling yeast dough and deep-frying, but the steps are straightforward with our guidance.
Essential Ingredients and Substitutions
The key ingredients include :
- Yeast: Active dry yeast, crucial for the dough to rise and achieve a light, airy texture.
- Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
- Warm Water: Necessary to dissolve the yeast and initiate fermentation.
- Evaporated Milk: Adds richness and moisture, contributing to tenderness.
- Shortening: Helps make the dough tender and flaky.
- Egg: Acts as a binding agent, adding structure and elasticity.
- All-Purpose Flour: The main component, giving the beignets their structure.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Evaporated milk can be substituted with whole milk or a mix of milk and cream.
- Shortening can be replaced with butter or margarine, though this might alter texture slightly.
- For flavor variations, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- For a healthier option, consider whole wheat flour, noting it may change taste and texture.
These details were derived from comparing recipes like Allrecipes Beignets and Baker by Nature Beignets, ensuring alignment with traditional methods.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create your beignets, with tips for each stage :
- Activate the Yeast:
- Dissolve 1 package of active dry yeast and 2 tablespoons of white sugar in 1 1/2 cups of warm water (110°F/45°C). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large bowl, stir in 1/2 cup evaporated milk, 1/4 cup shortening, and 1 beaten egg to the yeast mixture.
- Add 4 cups of all-purpose flour and beat until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the remaining 3 cups of flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. The dough will be sticky, which is normal.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. This resting period helps the dough relax, making it easier to handle.
- Roll and Cut the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut into 2 1/2 inch squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter for uniformity.
- Fry the Beignets:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy, or test with a small dough piece; it should float and fry if ready.
- Fry in batches, turning once, until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per batch.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, ensuring they remain crisp.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar:
- Once slightly cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar for that classic look and taste.
Assembly and Presentation
Beignets are best served warm, right after frying, with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, enhancing the New Orleans brunch experience. For presentation, arrange them on a platter, dusted with extra sugar for a snowy effect, and serve alongside your favorite drink.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-Ahead: The dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours, offering convenience for busy mornings.
- Storage: Fried beignets are best consumed immediately, as they lose crunchiness. If storing, place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, though texture may soften.
- Reheating: To restore warmth and crispness, reheat in a 350°F oven for a few minutes, ideal for leftovers.
These tips were informed by recipe notes from Jo Cooks Beignets, ensuring freshness guidelines.
Recipe Variations
Explore these creative alternatives to customize your beignets:
- Chocolate-Dipped Beignets: After frying and cooling, dip one side in melted chocolate and let it set for a sweet twist.
- Fruit-Filled Beignets: Before frying, place a small dollop of fruit preserves or jam in the center, fold to form a pocket, seal edges, and fry for a fruity surprise.
- Savory Beignets: Omit sugar, add herbs, cheese, or other savory ingredients to the dough for a non-sweet version, perfect for appetizers.
These variations were inspired by general recipe adaptations, ensuring versatility for different tastes.
Conclusion
Making beignets at home is a fun and rewarding experience, bringing a piece of New Orleans culture to your kitchen. With our step-by-step guide, inspired by Copeland’s Brunch, you can master this recipe and impress your family and friends with these delicious treats. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to make them your own. Happy cooking!
This comprehensive guide ensures all aspects are covered, from research on Copeland’s brunch menus to detailed recipe adaptation, providing a complete resource for home cooks.