New Orleans Mardi Gras Beignets

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, mix together the warm water, sugar, and yeast.
• Let sit for 10 minutes.
• In medium bowl, beat the eggs, salt and evaporated milk together.
• After the 10 minutes, mix egg mixture to the yeast mixture.
• In a large bowl, measure out the bread flour.
• Add 3 cups of the flour to the yeast mixture and stir to combine
• Add the shortening and continue to stir while adding the remaining flour.
• Remove dough from the bowl, place onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth.
• It may look like it's not going to come together but it is! Just keep kneading!
• Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray. Put dough into the bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a towel. Let rise in a warm place for at least 2 hours.
• Preheat oil in a large stock pot to 350 degrees F.
• Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into 3 inch by 3 inch squares.
• Add 2-3 dough squares to the oil and fry, flipping constantly, until they become a golden color.
• After beignets are fried, drain them for a few seconds on paper towels,.
• IF YOU DON'T WANT TO ADD COLOR, sprinkle powdered sugar all over them and enjoy.

For glaze

• Combine 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons of milk. Whisk until smooth.
• Divide into 3 bowls.
• Color one bowl purple, one bowl green and one gold/yellow.
• Drizzle glaze onto beignets then top with powdered sugar.