Pumpkin Beignets – New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park
I absolutely LOVE this recipe, although some of my friends were a bit skeptical when trying it. If you aren't sure, I highly recommend trying the regular beignets first, and then move on to these as they are richer and not quite as light and fluffy - but still quite tasty. I also like to have a little bit of honey to drizzle on my bites of these, it somehow makes them even more delicious.
Makes 25 beignets
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream
1/4 cup warm water
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
2 teaspoons pumpkin extract (optional)
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Pinch salt4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tablespoon dry instant yeast
Vegetable oil, for frying
Powdered sugar, for coating
Combine pumpkin purée, sugar, cream, water, eggs, shortening, pumpkin extract, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk to combine. Add flour and yeast, stirring by hand to combine.
Mix dough with the dough hook attachment until it forms a ball around the hook; the dough may be a little sticky.
With floured hands, remove dough from hook and roll into a ball. Place dough in a clean bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Roll dough on a well-floured surface to 1/3-inch thickness. Cut into 25 squares (or use your Mickey cookie cutter for extra authenticity). Cover with a clean dishtowel and set aside in a warm, draft-free area for 45 minutes.
Line a plate with paper towels; set aside.
Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot to a depth of 3 inches. Heat oil to 350°F.
Working in 2 or 3 batches, carefully drop dough into oil. Cook, turning frequently with a long-handled slotted spoon, until puffed and golden, about 3 minutes.
Remove beignets with a slotted spoon and transfer to the plate lined with paper towels. Lightly tent with foil to keep warm while remaining beignets cook.
Generously sprinkle powdered sugar on top of warm beignets; serve warm.