Vanilla Beignet Bites

Vanilla Beignet Bites with Vanilla-Lemon Raspberry Jam

Recipe from Nielsen-Massey Vanillas

Prep time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including rising) | Cook time: 30 minutes | Total time: 3 hours

Yield: 6 dozen beignets

INGREDIENTS:

Vanilla Beignet Bites:

• 1/4 cup warm water
• 3 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• Canola oil, for frying

Vanilla Powdered Sugar:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder

Vanilla-Lemon Raspberry Jam:

• 1 cup seedless raspberry jam
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract

DIRECTIONS:

Vanilla Beignet Bites:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar; set aside to activate yeast. In a medium bowl, add butter, half-and-half and vanilla extract; stir and set aside. In a small bowl whisk eggs; set aside.
2. In a bowl of a free standing electric mixer, add flour, sugar, salt and cardamom. Place bowl on mixer stand which has been fitted with a dough hook. Turn mixer on low speed and combine dry ingredients.
3. Turn mixer to medium speed then add activated yeast mixture. Add half-and-half mixture, then add the whisked eggs. Mix until well combined, scraping the sides of the bowl when necessary. Dough will be slightly sticky (if it’s not, add more flour, 1/4 cup at a time).
4. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead, about 2-3 minutes; adding additional flour only when needed.
5. Lightly coat a large bowl with cooking spray and place dough into the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and keep warm until dough has doubled in size, about 2 hours. After dough has risen, place on a lightly floured surface and gently knead. Roll dough into a rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. With a pizza cutter, cut dough into small rectangles, about 1 x ½-inch pieces.
6. Heat oil to 375°F; carefully place dough in hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 45-60 seconds. Turn beignets so both sides are golden brown. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels; dust with Vanilla Powdered Sugar while bites are still warm. Dip Vanilla Beignet Bites in Vanilla-Lemon Raspberry Jam.

Vanilla Powdered Sugar:

1. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and vanilla powder.

Vanilla-Lemon Raspberry Jam:

1. In a small bowl, add jam, vanilla and lemon extracts. Whisk until jam is smooth and serve with warm Vanilla Beignet Bites. Vanilla-Lemon Raspberry Jam can be refrigerated and also served with whole grain toast, English muffins or scones.