Ingredients >
4-6 cups vegetable or corn oil
1 cup milk
1 cup water
1 large egg
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons sugar
1-2 firm bananas, cut into 1/2-inch slices (optional)
Confectioner’s sugar

Method >
1. Pour the oil into a deep pot to a depth of 3-4 inches. Heat the oil to 370 F.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl with the mixer at medium-high speed, combine the milk, water and egg. Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix until the batter is smooth.

2. Using a 1/8 cup measure, drop the batter into the hot oil and fry about 3-4 minutes. Don’t make them much bigger or the inside won’t cook properly. The beignets will float to the surface; turn them a few times until the beignets are golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels and either roll in or use a strainer to sprinkle on confectioner’s sugar. Serve hot. Yield: 20-24 beignets

To make banana beignets, fill the 1/8 cup measure halfway full. Add a slice of banana, fill the rest of the way with batter. Fry as directed above. Roll in confectioner’s sugar.

Dust generously with confectioners’ sugar. Serves 8.