Cajunspitfire

Beignets (Doughnuts)

Ingredients
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs

1 cup evaporated milk
7 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup shortening
1 quart vegetable oil for frying
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
Directions
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, salt, eggs, evaporated milk, and blend well. Mix in 4 cups of the flour and beat until smooth. Add the shortening, and then the remaining 3 cups of flour. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours.
Roll out dough 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 2 1/2 inch squares. Fry in 360 degree F (180 degrees C) hot oil. If beignets do not pop up, oil is not hot enough. Drain onto paper towels.
Shake confectioners' sugar on hot beignets. Serve warm.

Chicken Jambalaya

4 Tbs (60 ml) butter or margarine
1 cup each finely chopped onions,
red and/or green bell peppers, and celery
1 Tbs (15 ml) finely chopped garlic
2 whole bay (laurel) leaves
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 tsp (2 ml) cayenne pepper, or to taste
1/2 tsp (2 ml) hot sauce, or to taste
1/2 lb (250 g) tasso or other smoked ham, chopped
1 cup (250 ml) canned tomato sauce
3 lbs (1.3 Kg) chicken, cut into parts and meat
removed from bones
3 cups (750 ml) canned or fresh chicken stock
2 cups (500 ml) uncooked white rice

Melt the butter or margarine in a heavy 4 quart (4 L) pot. Add the
onions, peppers, celery, garlic, the bay leaves, salt and pepper,
cayenne, Tabasco, and the ham and cook over high heat, stirring
frequently, until the onions are medium brown, about 15 minutes. Add
the tomato sauce, chicken pieces, and the chicken stock and bring to a
simmer. Add the rice and stir briefly. Cover the pot, reduce the
heat to very low, and cook for about 15 minutes, until the rice is
cooked. Serves 4 to 6. AH YISS