how to make it yourself

I was watching Chopped one evening and saw a contestant make something that looked like fried doughnut holes – he called them beignets, which are similar to doughnuts and originate in France. When I saw this on Chopped, he made it look so easy – I wanted to create something similar. I searched online and saw many recipes, most of which were extensive, long and time-consuming. I wanted something that wouldn’t take so much time, but would taste incredible. This is it – the best healthier than normal doughnut hole recipe. Enjoy!

Ingredients List:

• Instant Pancake Mix (any brand that only requires you to add water or milk) – 1 cup
• Cinnamon & Sugar – 1/2 cup to 1 cup
• Milk – 2/3 cup
• Vegetable Oil (for frying)

Step 1. Heat Oil in Pan

Heat oil in a pan at about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The deeper the pan, the better – it helps to have a deeper pan to avoid oil from splattering. I personally use my Thai Wok and it works wonderfully well. I put about an inch to two inches of oil in the pan. While it is heating, you can prepare the doughnuts.

Step 2. Instant Pancake Mix

Get out a bowl and measure about a cup of the Instant Pancake mix with about 2/3 cup of milk (I use skim milk). If it is still too sticky, add a little more pancake mix and drop it onto a floured surface.*Optionally, you may want to add a tablespoon of sugar to this mixture if you want to sweeten it up a little bit. For me, the flavor is excellent with or without the added sugar.

Step 3. Prepare Cinnamon & Sugar

If you have a brown paper lunch bag, take it out. Grab your cinnamon and sugar and mix it into a bowl to the desired ratio (or use a pre-mixed cinnamon and sugar shaker). Pour the mixture into the brown paper bag. You should have at least 1/2 cup to one cup of the mixture. If you do not have a brown paper bag, you can use a large (or small) Ziploc bag – whatever you have on hand. Once prepared, set aside.

Step 4. Form Doughnut Holes & Drop in Oil

Form the doughnut holes by hand at about 1/2 inch to one inch thickness – I recommend not making them any larger than that as they grow in size significantly. If you make them much larger, you have a higher chance of them not cooking thoroughly and being doughy in the inside. For the amount of pancake mix used, you should be able to make about 10-12 doughnut holes. Drop the doughnut holes into the hot oil – test one out by itself first to be sure the heat is ok on the oil. If it immediately turns dark brown, turn the heat down and wait a bit before putting all the doughnut holes on. Once ready, put them all in the pan (carefully with a large spoon) and turn them constantly. Do not leave the pan for even a minute, as they will not be evenly cooked and will not turn out properly.

Step 5. Remove & Shake in Sugar

It should take about 4 minutes more or less to fry the doughnut holes. If you can safely remove one, cut it open and check if it is done, that is recommended. Then remove the rest and set them on a plate lined with a paper towel. They will be a golden brown color. Drop them into the paper bag or Ziploc with the sugar, shake it around and coat completely. Serve Immediately!