pumpkin pie spice beignets

How to make pumpkin pie spice beignets recipe - Popular in New Orleans, these fritters are believed to have been brought to Louisiana by French settlers in the 18th century.

MAKES 40

PREP TIME 20 mins, plus, rising and chilling, COOK TIME 20 mins

Ingredients:
2 1⁄4 tsp (7g) sachet active dried yeast
1 cup heavy cream
1⁄2 stick (4 tbsps) butter
1⁄2 cup sugar
2 eggs
5 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
1 3⁄4 pints (1 liter) peanut or sunflower oil, for frying

For the pumpkin pie spice:
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1⁄2 tbsp ground ginger
1⁄2 tbsp ground nutmeg
1⁄2 tbsp ground cloves
1⁄2 cup confectioners’ sugar

Method:
1 Dissolve the yeast in 1⁄2 cup warm water with a pinch of sugar. Leave to stand for 5–7 minutes, or until it begins to bubble.

2 In a saucepan, heat the cream and butter over low heat until the butter has melted. Remove immediately from the heat. In a large bowl, mix the sugar, eggs, yeast mixture, and the melted butter and cream. Add half the flour and stir to incorporate. Gradually add the remaining flour, one-third at a time, until the mixture comes together to form a large ball of dough.

3 Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes, adding flour as needed so that the dough is not sticky. Form the dough into a ball and place in a covered bowl or freezer bag. Chill for 4–6 hours until doubled in size. Put the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to a thickness of 1⁄2in (1cm). Cut into 11⁄2in (4cm) squares.

4 To make the pumpkin pie spice, mix together the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl.

5 In a large, heavy-based saucepan or deep-fat fryer, heat the oil to 375ºF (190ºC). Fry the squares, 5 or 6 at a time, for 1–2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and puffed. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a wire rack to cool.

6 Using a sieve or fine mesh strainer, sprinkle over the spice mixture and serve hot. For a true New Orleans experience, try these delicious desserts with a cup of coffee blended with chicory.

pumpkin pie spice beignets