Beignets

In a bowl, add in water and yeast.

Stir to dissolve the yeast.

Set aside for 5 mins.

After 5 mins, the yeast mixture should become foamy.

Add in eggs and milk.

Lightly whisk to combine well.

In a large mixing bowl, add flour, sugar, salt and butter.

Lightly stir to combine well.

Create a well in the middle.

Add the yeast mixture into the well gradually while still mixing.

Mix to combine well or until it comes together as a dough.

Knead the dough inside the bowl until all the nooks and crannies of flour is kneaded into the dough, about 5 mins.

The dough should be very tacky.

Transfer the dough out onto a working surface and continue kneading for another 5 to 8 mins until smooth and slightly tacky. It should pass the "window-pane" test.

If the dough is too dry, add in water, 1 TBSP at a time. If the dough is too sticky, add in flour, 1 TBSP at a time.

Generously grease the bowl with butter..

Transfer the dough back to greased bowl.

Cover with cling film and let rise for 2 hrs or until doubled in size.

Punch down the dough to deflate the air.

Divide the dough into halves.

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.

Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a rectangular shape with a thickness of about 1/4 inch thick.

Cover with a damp lint free kitchen towel and let it rise for 30 mins.

It should have risen to about 1/2 inch thick and is light and fluffy.

Using a pizza cutter, cut them into squares.

Add oil into a dutch oven, about 2 inches in depth, over medium heat.

To check if the temperature of the oil is ready, place a wooden chopstick into the oil.

If bubbles start to form, the temperature is ready for frying.*

Gently drop the dough into the oil away from you.

Deep fry until golden brown on both sides.

Remove from heat and drain off excess oil in a wire cooling rack or a plate lined with kitchen paper.

Repeat the steps for the remaining dough.

Transfer the beignets onto a serving plate.

Lightly dust some icing sugar over the top.

Serve with your favorite compote or jam.