VANILLA FRENCH BEIGNETS [120 MINUTES]

Vanilla French Beignets offer a delightful twist on the classic French pastry. Renowned for their light, fluffy texture and rich, indulgent flavor, these beignets are traditionally served warm with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. This version adds the sweet, aromatic essence of vanilla, transforming the simple dough into an even more luxurious treat.

Originally hailing from France, beignets made their way to Louisiana, where they became a beloved part of Creole cuisine. Today, they are cherished as a symbol of New Orleans’ culinary tradition, enjoyed by both locals and visitors, especially during Mardi Gras and throughout the year.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE VANILLA FRENCH BEIGNETS

Vanilla French Beignets are utterly irresistible, striking the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. The addition of vanilla enhances the dough’s natural sweetness, infusing each bite with a fragrant depth that transforms every mouthful into a heavenly treat. These beignets aren’t just pastries—they’re a sensory experience, capturing the vibrant spirit and allure of New Orleans.

Light and airy yet decadently rich, they’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day snack. Whether paired with a café au lait or enjoyed on their own, these beignets will transport you straight to the heart of the French Quarter.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons active dry yeast, and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the yeast and sugar throughout the flour.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk 1 cup of warm milk (about 110°F), 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter, and 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract. The mixture should be warm to the touch, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together. Continue mixing until all ingredients are well combined.
  • Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as needed.
  • First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, turning it once to coat the dough in oil. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  • Shape the Beignets: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 2×2 inch squares.
  • Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large pot. Heat the oil to 360°F, using a candy or deep-fry thermometer to check the temperature.
  • Fry the Beignets: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the beignets for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are puffed and golden brown. Remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  • Serve: Dust the hot beignets generously with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
  • Cooling: If not serving immediately, allow the beignets to cool slightly on a wire rack to maintain their crisp texture.

FALL THEME BABY SHOWER: 25+ STUNNING IDEAS FOR DECORATIONS

Planning a fall-themed baby shower? There are endless possibilities for stunning decorations and cozy styling ideas to bring the season to life. But where to begin, and how to choose the perfect theme? In this guide, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for everything from food to decor, helping you create a memorable baby shower that will delight your guests!

Custom Cookies

Beautifully customized cookies, almost too pretty to eat, bring a warm autumn touch to the celebration.

Hedgehog Cheese Ball

This is the most adorable cheese ball you’ll ever come across!

S’Mores Bar

This spread is as fun as it is delicious, sure to get your guests excited to dig in!

Caramel Apples

This twist on caramel apples lets your guests indulge without the sticky mess. It’s a fun, bite-sized treat that’s easy to enjoy!

Cheese Tasting

A pumpkin-shaped cheese ball that’s perfectly on theme and absolutely delicious! It’s the ideal fall-inspired snack to wow your guests.

Candied Apples

If you can prepare these fresh during the baby shower with a little setup, even better! Guests will love the extra touch of freshness and flavor.

Pumpkin Cake


Packed with seasonal flavors and absolutely delicious! This treat is a perfect taste of fall.

Woodland Treasures

This is a fantastic dessert choice if you’re embracing a cozy forest-inspired fall theme. It adds a touch of woodland charm to your spread!

Cute Cupcakes

These stunning cupcakes resemble miniature works of art, so beautiful that they’re almost too pretty to eat! Each one is a delightful treat that will impress your guests.

Fall in the Forest

The forest theme is a favorite for fall baby showers, offering endless opportunities for creativity with your food choices. You can incorporate natural elements and playful presentations to truly capture the essence of the season!

Cake Pops

Not only are these easy to display, but they’re also incredibly simple to enjoy, making them a hit with your guests! They’ll appreciate the delightful taste and convenience all in one.

Fried Goods

Everyone adores having a donut at a baby shower! They add a sweet touch and are always a crowd-pleaser.

Apple Feast

A fantastic variety of apple desserts for an “Apple of My Eye” baby shower theme! These treats will perfectly complement the celebration and delight your guests.

Custom Wall Sign

Unsure how to utilize and fill the space? This custom sign creates a wonderful first impression and sets the tone for your event, all without breaking the bank.

Elegant Baby Blue

These lovely baby blue pumpkins make a stunning statement when combined with soft greens and whites. The charming color palette adds an elegant touch to your decor.

Baby Making Potion

Entice your guests with adorable mini “baby-making potions.” These charming little bottles add a whimsical touch to your celebration!

Harvest Display

Using elevated shelves to showcase food adds an appealing dimension to your baby shower, transforming empty corners into inviting focal points. They not only enhance the decor but also maximize your serving space beautifully!

Dessert Table

These sweet little treats are beautifully arranged, making them a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. Their stunning presentation adds a delightful charm to your dessert table!

Fall Boho Table Setting

Earthy tones combined with seasonal accents transform this simple table into something truly exceptional. The thoughtful mix of colors and textures creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for your celebration.

Seasonal Foliage

Opting for simplicity with a single rose and seasonal foliage adds an unexpected elegance to your table setting. It beautifully complements the overall decor, creating a cohesive and charming look.

Boho Fall Shower

Muted colors paired with seasonal natural elements will seamlessly fit the theme while adding a touch of sophistication. This combination creates a harmonious and inviting atmosphere for your celebration.

Feast for the King

When selecting food for your baby shower, consider options that can be easily enjoyed while standing or mingling. Bite-sized treats that fit nicely on small plates are perfect for keeping the atmosphere casual and enjoyable.

Ombre Pumpkins

Incorporate a touch of variety and dimension into your chosen color scheme by using accessories in ombre shades. This gradient effect adds visual interest and elevates the overall aesthetic of your decor.

Fall Meets Boho

Adding a hint of Bohemian flair can enhance the atmosphere of a fall-themed baby shower. This style brings warmth and a touch of whimsy that perfectly complements the seasonal decor.

Floral Centerpiece

A stunning fall-themed floral centerpiece paired with a glittery sign creates a fabulous focal point! This combination adds elegance and sparkle to your decor, making it truly eye-catching.

Mom-osa Bar

Who would say no to a little cocktail at a baby shower!

Little Pumpkin Station

From donuts to colorful pumpkins and a themed cake, the pumpkin baby shower theme is not only easy to execute but also looks particularly stunning during the fall season. This playful theme captures the essence of autumn while offering a delightful array of treats and decor.

CONCLUSION

With these 25+ stunning decoration ideas, you’re well-equipped to transform any space into a masterpiece. Whether you’re planning a party, revamping your home, or simply adding a touch of flair to your surroundings, these creative concepts will inspire you to unleash your inner designer. Remember, the key to successful decoration lies in personalizing your space and infusing it with your unique style. So, get ready to embark on a decorating adventure and let your imagination run wild!