Step 1

In a bread machine layer in the water, sugar, salt, egg, butter and evaporated milk in order and without stirring. Next layer in the 4 cups of the flour, and lastly the yeast. Set your bread maker to the dough setting and push start.

Step 2

If you're making the dough in a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and add the water, sugar, salt, egg, butter, evaporated milk, flour and yeast in the large bowl of the mixer and combine until smooth.Place the finished dough in a well oiled bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Place in the fridge for 3-4 hours to chill.To form the donuts, roll the dough on a floured work surface to around a 1/2 inch thickness. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut out 3 inch dough squares.

Step 3

Heat several inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 364 degrees F. Fry several beignets at a time in the hot oil until they are golden brown on each side, using tongs or a slotted spoon to flip them over.

Step 4

Drain the fried beignets on paper towels or a wire rack, and then coat them in powdered sugar. Serve fresh, best eaten on the day they're made.

Step 5

Keep any extra un-fried dough for Tiana’s beignets in the fridge for up to a week.