Wise to the Word: Beignet

BEIGNET (ben YAY)

Sometimes called a French doughnut, beignets are popular where French culinary influence is strong, including New Orleans and Quebec. They are made from choux (pronounced SHOO) pastry, made with only butter, flour, water and eggs. It is rolled out and cut into squares, then deep-fried until it puffs. In the U.S., beignets are usually served hot with a sprinkling of powdered sugar. In France, they are also filled with jam or a savory filling such as chopped ham, shrimp or cheese.