Pumpkin Beignets

Having never been (but always wanted to go!) to Club 33 at Disneyland, I was beyond tempted to try out this recipe for their signature Pumpkin Beignets. Though they left my house smelling of oil -- as all fried treats do! -- I was delighted how well they turned out, and I'm enjoying these flavorful goodies at my own oh-so-exclusive home!

Pumpkin Beignets
Yield 24 beignets

1⁄2 teaspoon dry yeast
1⁄4 cup warm water (@105 degrees)
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup pumpkin puree
1⁄4 cup sugar
1⁄4 cup heavy cream
1⁄4 cup hot water
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
vegetable oil, for frying

Maple Glaze
3 tablespoons butter
1⁄4 cup maple syrup
1 cup powdered sugar

Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a small bowl, stirring to dissolve. Let stand for 5 minutes.

Combine flour, pumpkin puree, sugar, heavy cream, hot water, egg, shortening, and salt in a large bowl; stir in yeast mixture. Mix dough just until combined and smooth. Let dough rest in bowl, covered with a clean kitchen towel, 30 minutes.

Transfer dough to a well-floured surface. Pat to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into 2-inch squares. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Heat 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350 degrees F in a deep, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Fry beignets until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes, turning as soon as they brown on one side.

Remove with tongs or a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain.

Maple glaze: Combine butter and maple syrup in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until butter melts. Whisk in powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle warm beignets with maple glaze and serve immediately.

Dress: Deadly Dames Glamour Ghoul Dress (discontinued)
Lips: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in American Doll
Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer in Ebony