Costas French Market Doughnuts (Beignets)

Directions

• Pour 1/2 cup room temperature water into a small bowl; sprinkle yeast over water and let stand to dissolve, about 5 minutes.
• Combine sugar, shortening, and salt in a large bowl; pour 1 cup boiling water over shortening mixture, then stir in evaporated milk. Cool mixture down until lukewarm, then add yeast mixture and beaten eggs.
• Slowly mix in flour until dough forms a ball. Cover dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Working with a small portion (a little larger than a baseball) at a time, roll out dough until 1/8-inch thick. Cut dough into strips 2- to 3-inches wide, then cut at an angle in opposite direction, making diamond shapes.
• Heat oil in a deep, wide, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C).
• Lower dough diamonds carefully into the hot oil in batches. Fry until puffed and golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully transfer to a rack with paper towels underneath to drain; cool until you can handle them.
• Place beignets in a clean paper bag with confectioners’ sugar; shake gently until covered generously, or use a sifter to dust beignets with confectioners’ sugar.