Where Did Beignets Come From?
Beignets are a well known part of the culinary culture of New Orleans, an American city that is as famous for its food as for the parties thrown in the French Quarter. The history behind the beignet is as interesting as these treats are tasty. The beignet has traveled a long way to become the most well known treat of South Louisiana eateries. Does this Spark an idea?
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Definition of a Beignet
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The word beignet is French for "fried dough" which is very descriptive of what a beignet is. It is a piece of fried dough traditionally topped with powdered sugar. There are variations on the beignet including ones with a fruit filling or those filled with a variety of meat fillings, but the powdered sugar variety is by far the most prevalent.
How Beignets Got to the U.S.
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As the French origin of the name suggests, beignets come to us via France, but the trip from France to becoming a part of American culinary culture was anything but direct. A group of French colonists known as Acadians left France for the New World in order to pursue their Roman Catholic faith in freedom. They settled along the coast of Nova Scotia and some settled along coastal Maine.
In the mid 1700s when France and England were at war, the Acadians (approximately 14,000 in number) were expelled from their homes by the British. Many made their way to South Louisiana and settled new colonies there. Mixing with the native populations of the area, a new group, called Cajuns, developed. They embraced the beignet.
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Where to Find Beignets Today
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Like Cajuns, beignets are almost always associated with South Louisiana, particularly New Orleans. Served hot from the oil, covered with powdered sugar, and served with a cup of strong, dark coffee, beignets are considered to be an integral part of any trip to New Orleans. Probably the best known beignet eatery is Cafe Du Monde, which has been serving coffee and beignets since the 1800s.
Beignet Trivia
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In the late 1980s, beignets were named the official state doughnut of Louisiana.
How to Make a Beignet
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Various recipes for making your own beignets can be found online. For ease, Cafe du Monde (and others) makes a beignet mix that is available for purchase online or at various stores across the southeast. Or create your own, brew a pot of coffee, and enjoy.
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