I’m excited to be introducing a new series today – movie snacks! The only thing more fun than cuddling up to watch a movie is doing so with a perfectly-themed snack, right?

And, since we’ve been Disney-crazy around here, I’m going to start with some of our favorite Disney movies – kicking off with Tiana’s beignets!

My kids loved The Princess and the Frog. Dr. Facilier is Jake’s favorite and Julie, of course, is all about the Princess.  They loved the music and they loved that Tiana cooked “like them”.

These small-batch beignets are the perfect snack to go along with the movie. Because they involve letting the dough rise, they are a little bit of a time commitment, but they’re not hard.

And they make just enough that the family had plenty to indulge on but didn’t leave us leftovers for the week. Just perfect!

Small Batch Beignets

Serves 4

2 Tbsp. warm water (105°F)
1/2 tsp. active dry yeast
2 tsp. vegetable shortening
1 Tbsp. sugar
3 Tbsp.whole milk
1 large egg white
3 Tbsp. boiling water
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups canola oil, for frying
3/4 cup powdered sugar

Heat the 2 Tbsp. water to 105 degrees in a small bowl, then sprinkle the yeast and sugar over. Stir a few times, then let sit for 5 minutes – the yeast should be foamy after 5 minutes.

While the yeast sits, whisk together the shortening, sugar, milk and egg whites in a small bowl. Whisk in the boiling water. Take the mixture’s temperature (I used a candy thermometer) and when it is between 105 and 110 degrees, stir it into the yeast. Then, stir in the flour.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot to rise until doubled, about an hour.

When ready to cook, heat the oil in a deep pot to 360 degrees (again, a candy thermometer is great for this).

While the oil heats, divide the dough in half. Roll half into a square, and cut into 4-6 squares using a pizza cutter. Repeat with the second half of the dough.

Drop the dough squares 3 at a time into the hot oil. Let fry for a minute or two, then flip and fry for a minute more, until golden brown. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate.

When they’re all cooked, let sit for about 5 minutes, the toss with powdered sugar. Serve immediately.

adapted from Dessert for Two