Mother's coffee was known for being strong, but Aunt Gloria's put it to shame. Coffee from New Orleans has a distinctive bitter flavor from the addition of chicory. Adding milk or cream softens its bite. As an adult I have enjoyed beignets and coffee in New Orleans many times. When we tested this beignet recipe in our Test Kitchens, it brought a flood of memories and the longing for a return trip.
Yeast makes beignets airy and light.
Many folks claim that making the dough ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator yields a better beignet. Overhandling the dough tends to make them tough. Follow these tips to make puffy, light beignets. When kneading the dough, flatten and fold it toward you, and use the heals of your hands to push the dough away from you with a rolling motion. The dough is double if the impression you made stays.