Disneyland's Gluten Free Beignets

I have always been a fan of New Orleans square in Disneyland- I dare say it may even be one of my favorite lands. I just love the feel of it , the rides, and of course the food! Now that I have shown you how to make a mint julep, I think it only fair to show you how to make beignets. I love, love beignets even though they are really not good for you. There is only one problem- I can't have gluten. Even though I have found a supplement that I can take that allows me to eat gluten I would rather just find something gluten free because it's easier. Since the supplements are recent in my life I have been missing out on all of my favorite park food (insert sad face). I was so excited when Disneyland posted this recipe on their blog! I just had to make it and share it with all of you. I think the timing is perfect with Fat Tuesday just days away. I hope all you out there who can't have gluten but love beignets will get the chance to try these- they are so delicious and fluffy!

2. Combine apple juice, applesauce, sugar, egg replacer, salt, oil, and cinnamon in a bowl for an electric mixer. Mix until well combined.

3. Add pizza crust mix (1/4 cup at a time) until soft dough forms; you will not use all of the mix.

4. Turn dough out onto a work surface dusted with remaining crust mix. Knead until dough is no longer sticky but soft.

5. Roll dough into 1/4 inch thickness, and cut into 2x3 inch pieces. Set aside at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

6. Pour enough oil into a deep sided pot until it reaches 2 inches up the side. Heat oil over medium heat until 350 F.

7. Add a few beignets to oil; fry until golden brown on both sides turning once.

8. Remove from hot oil with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet covered in paper towels.

9. Dust generously with confectioners sugar before serving.

• In order to make sure that I was only adding 1/4 of a cup of the gluten free pizza mix, I used a 1/4 measuring cup to scoop out the mix when making the dough.

• I really hate using countertops when kneading and rolling pins are involved. I always opt to dusting and rolling on a cutting mat. It is also an easier clean up!

• When cutting the beignet dough, I used a pizza cutter. It was quick and easy plus you will have good control over where you are slicing.

• If you notice in my picture above there are some tiny pieces that were cut into the dough. I actually used some of these pieces to test the oil and test how long I need to cook them.
• If your paper towels gets too soaked with oil, replace them with a new set.
• I used tongs when placing the dough into the oil as well as to turn them.
• When you place the dough in the oil sometimes they get stuck on the bottom of the pan. I used my tongs to keep them from sticking.
• You also want to make sure to keep an eye on the temperature of your oil. I lost a few beignets because my oil was too hot towards the end.

I must admit, I have never used yeast before so I was a little nervous. It actually was really easy and I had nothing to be worried about! I think that they came out pretty good and I can't wait to try out some of the holiday beignet flavors! To all my fellow gluten sufferers, I hope you give this recipe a try. Nothing is more exciting to me then finding a gluten free recipe that is delicious and Disney approved.

If you want to make your beignets more Disneyland authentic; get a mickey mouse shaped cookie cutter and cut your beignets out with it. In the park, they are Mickey shaped!