I've never been to New Orleans. I've never had a beignet. I've never had Cafe du Monde ANYTHING. I've never had King Cake. I've never had a muffalata. I've made gumbo and jambalaya. I've eaten Bananas Foster That's about it.
I did A LOT of research about these babies. A LOT! Since I've never had one, I wanted to make sure I got them right. Oh yeah. NAILED IT! At least flavor-wise. These beauties are golden delicious goodness in an easy to make dough made healthier by baking them instead of frying them.
But, I didn't want them to be all plain beignets. I wanted to "kick it up a notch" so to speak. I'm not sure how I stumbled on it, but someone was talking about a cooking challenge on their blog. One where you have to use an ingredient you've never used before. This person chose saffron. Light bulb! I LOVE saffron! Because it's so expensive, I think it's under-used. However, a little really DOES go a long way!!
Just look at that golden goodness floating around in the milk. I love how it instantly turns anything it touches into gold. I steeped the saffron with the milk to infuse that luscious flavor all throughout the dough. I didn't want to waste any of those threads of goodness.
See how beautifully yellow it made the dough? And I didn't bother with straining the milk. I figure the action of kneading the dough in the mixer would break them up enough. If there's some larger pieces, so be it. They're just so pretty!! Maybe it's wishful thinking that spring will be here soon. We're supposed to get freezing rain and ice and then snow on Monday? Yipee. *sigh*
Maybe I'll have to bake up some more beignets. I was completely surprise with how easy the dough was to make, how soft and pliable it was, and how utterly tasty they are! HOLY WOW!
They have just the right amount of sweetness in this light and airy dough. It's almost like a brioche the way they come out. Fluffy in the middle, nice and crisp on the outside. Just fabulous! I don't impress myself all that often, but I have done just that with these tasty beignets. A light dusting of powdered sugar and that's all they need. No dipping sauce, no glaze, no drizzle. They're perfectly tasty just like they are.
#SundaySupper has put together a Fat Sunday menu! There are some rather tasty eats on that menu. Make sure you scroll down and see what everyone else has put together for the Fat Sunday #SundaySupper.
Delicious Saffron Baked Beignets
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons butter, diced
- powdered sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon saffron
- Scald milk with the saffron. Allow to cool to between 100 to 105.
- Add the yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add cooled milk and allow to sit 5 minutes or until bubbly. Add the egg and stir with a whisk until combined.
- Combine the 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour, 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, remaining sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook, stir on medium-low speed until the dough starts to come together. Beat at medium speed, add additional flour as needed, until a soft dough forms into a ball. Knead an additional 5 to 6 minutes.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly flour surface and knead a few times. Let rest 15 minutes.
- Roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into eight 3 x 4 inch rectangles. Place on a baking sheet covered with parchment or a silpat baking mat. Cover with a towel and allow to rise 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400 and bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- Sprinkle with powder sugar and serve.
Cocktails & Other Beverages:
- The Hurricane Cocktail Recipe from An Appealing Plan
- The French 75 from Kimchi MOM
- Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie from Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Fried Oysters and Remoulade from Jane's Adventures in Dinner
- Shrimp in Mustard Sauce from Noshing With The Nolands
- Mini Sweet Potato Pies from MealDiva
- Cajun Crab Beignets from Delaware Girl Eats
- Pancetta and Mushroom Arancini from Ruffles & Truffles
- Creole Shrimp Po Boy Recipe from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
- Chicken and Sausage Gumbo from Supper for a Steal
- Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya from Yours And Mind Are Ours
- Vegan Pizza Waffles from Killer Bunnies, Inc.
- Red Beans and Rice from Cookin' Mimi
- Baked Catfish Po'Boy from Curious Cuisiniere
- Muffaletta from Casa de Crews
- Bayou Seafood and Andouille Jambalaya from The Weekend Gourmet
- Seafood Gumbo from Take A Bite Out of Boca
- Cajun Rice and Beans from Momma's Meals
- Creole Celery Root Bisque (with Lobster) from The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Louisiana Roasted Barbecue Shrimp from Food Lust People Love
- Cajun Dirty Rice Bowls from The Dinner-Mom
- New Orleans Fried Chicken from Family Foodie
- Baked Endive and Pears in Blue Cream Sauce from Shockingly Delicious
- Okra Creole from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
- Banana Creme Pie with Honey Whipped Cream and Pecan Brittle from The Foodie Patootie
- Chocolate Ganache Tart from Melanie Makes
- Banana Bread Pudding from Gotta Get Baked
- Delicious Saffron Baked Beignets from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
- New Orleans Bread Pudding with Caramel Whiskey Sauce from La Bella Vita Cucina
- Polish Paczki from Cravings of a Lunatic
- Buttermilk Beignets from The Messy Baker
- Eggless Bread Pudding in a Jar from What Smells So Good?
- Mint Julep Bars from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Mardi Gras Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frostingfrom Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
- Mardi Gras Long Johns from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- Mexican Chocolate Coffee Cake from La Cocina de Leslie
- Fasnetküchle from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- Cheesecake Swirl Brownies from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Pecan and Chocolate Pralines from Desserts Required
- Chocolate Raspberry Cake from Clarks Condensed
- Baked Coconut Beignets from Mess Makes Food
- Ravioli dolci di Carnevale from Manu's Menu
- Strawberry Paczki from Neighborfood
- Blackberry Fritters from girlichef
- Brownie Chocolate Chip Cheesecake from Magnolia Days
- Flourless Chocolate Cake in a Mug with Coconut Cream from Sue's Nutrition Buzz
- Pecan Bars from Pies and Plots
- "Skinny Tuesday" Bananas Foster Cheesecake Parfaits from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Mocha Pear Cake from Happy Baking Days
- Skinny Baked Beignets from Daily Dish Recipes
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