We tried to make American Beignets for the First Time

[@gberon]

Growing up in New Orleans in the ‘60s, we just called them “French Market doughnuts“. Every now and then, my parents would pile us kids into the car and we’d go downtown, drive(!) down Bourbon St., looking at the tourists going to jazz clubs and strip joints, then swing over to Cafe de Monde. In those days, there was angle parking outside and carhops would take your order, then deliver it to your car. We kids would have chocolate milk with our beignets and my parents would drink cafe au lait.

[@josephmedford2233]

Pronounced Ben-yay. French origin. Eggshell in the mix isn't wrong unless you leave it in... serving size is one dozen. 60 is only 5 servings

[@BTinSF]

As I recall, at Cafe du Monde you get 3 per order but they are larger. Filling them with jam or anything else is entirely unnecessary. Plain with powdered sugar is the standard and delicious.

[@TeamCow736]

Hey Vicki, I'm in my mid fifties and lived in New Orleans most of my life. Well done on the beignets (Ben-Yay). The two most popular places in New Orleans to get beignets are Cafe Du Monde and Morning Call. The beignets are about the size of your palm and they are served in order of three. We Drink cafe au lait (cafe-o-lay) which is half coffee with chicory and half steamed milk with our beignet. Quick tip, we learned to put the powered sugar in a paper bag with our beignet and shake, because a lot of times we eat them outside on a beautiful Sunday. It can get windy and we don't want the powdered sugar to go everywhere 😊. You did a great job, Vicki. A+ This is coming from a Nawlins boy. Yeah, Ya Right!

[@allensparks6885]

it also helps if mix a bit of corn starch with the powdered sugar first. Doesn't really affect the taste, but it keeps the sugar from clumping up. . . I got this tip from one of the managers at Cafe du Monde!

[@JenniferSmith-25]

My sister is a retired teacher. She attended a conference in New Orleans. The only souvenir she brought me was a half-eaten bag of beignets. Even halfway stale, I thought they were fantastic.

[@kathenson606]

All us Louisiana people love their beignets.

[@AC-ni4gt]

Oh powder sugar. They are just like glitter. They somehow get the f- all over.

[@shadownor]

I am a big fan of Archie, Millie, James and Super Mum. Merry Christmas

[@rrmcbride555]

All hail Cafe' Du Monde !!

[@Okusername28472]

Vicki, you are such a gem! I think you nailed it with those beignets! They’re definitely going to be a hit with your neighbors! 😊

[@Ameslan1]

Wow Vicky!!!! You are fantastic making these American favorite foods!! Wondeful job! You are a wonderful addition to The beesleys Channel!! Please stay and make many more dishes! Even make Popular British Dishes would be great! Merry Christmas/Happy Christmas!!!!

[@bonniebuchanan504]

The Cajun in my soul cries out every time y’all pronounce beignets😢 (😂)…*winks*…it’s all good, at least Y’all are tryin to show some ❤Love to Louisiana Foods! FYI, Size wise they come out about 3” squared in size. Powder Sugar covered - You dont wear black to Cafe Du Monde…& You drink Cafe Au Lait (coffee w/chickory and with milk, which is the au lait)..Wonderful Job, Vicki! & Thanks for being an Ambassador for New Orleans & Louisiana!😁

[@dawnyoung8]

I think if you put them in the sugar right out of the oil you’re sugar will stick better . Or dust them right away

[@simmerra]

I was treated to a bucket list vacation from my mother-in-law last year. One of those bucket list items was visiting New Orleans to sit at Cafe Du Monde (Est. 1862), eat beignets, and listen to the sax music playing on the street corner. I'll never forget it. Thank you Linda, RIP. As a bonus, if you go to the side in the alleyway, there is a big window. You can watch them make the beignets. They aren't precious about it either. The guy threw the dough over his shoulder into the vat of oil without even looking! One delicious morsel after another.

[@debrasamaha3896]

And have the coffee it’s the BEST 😊

[@janaeT2024]

I've been to New Orleans 3 times. One of the best cities and most unique cities in the US. Underrated for sure.

[@reginahay5211]

Louisiana-New Orleans treat. They aren’t made many other places. But very similar to raised donuts made everywhere!

[@ruthpierson940]

James and Millie, dust them with more powder sugar, confectioner sugar, or icing sugar whatever you want to call it.

[@larrym.johnson9219]

They look wonderful and that's before you even start making them. I've done them! You've done an excellent job!

[@luxleather2616]

Beignet (Ben yay) is most known in the French Quarter in New Orleans....sopapilla (sopapeeah) is the Mexican version....its basically deep fried soft fluffy sweet deliciousness especially with powdered sugar & honey & chocolate

[@ruthpierson940]

and sopapillas usually have honey butter to drizzle in them when you break them open

[@ruthpierson940]

true beignets only have confectioners sugar

[@FlyOverZone]

I've seen the sopapillas stuffed with ice cream. beignets is very specific to Louisiana. Most of America has sopapillas instead. In Arizona Sopapillas are the bread served with the meal in a restaurant

[@bluetinsel7099]

Sopaillas(so-pa-pee-ya)s are also good with cinnamon and sugar or dulce de leche. The beignets(ben-yay)s sometimes get stuffed with fruit jams as well, but traditionally they are sprinkled with powdered sugar and are great with chicory-coffee.

[@kevincaulfield9736]

They are specifically from Louisiana we don't regularly make them elsewhere

[@jeffhampton2767]

Great job Vicki, They look BEAUTIFUL! ❤🇺🇸🎅

[@the3mfs359]

Supermarkets sell the Cafe Du'Mond beignet mix. I know Kroger has it.

[@renes.1242]

They look scrumptious! I can almost smell them!😊 PERFECT ❤

[@jLutraveling]

The first tint I had beignets pronounced Ben yayz was at Cafe DuMonde in New Orleans. It was great the only problem was that wind was blowing and rhe the powdered sugar was all over us and the cafe..

[@flamingpieherman9822]

I love that your mom bakes. I love watching your mom!🎉🎉 But I'm surprised that you guys are not assisting her? Would be nice to see at least one of you in the kitchen with her❤

[@gberon]

A big (ben)yay for Mum Beesley and her cooking experiments! Now that you’ve done beignets, are you going to try Jambalaya or Gumbo? How about a King Cake, since Twelfth Night is around the corner? Edit: Oops, I just saw the jambalaya episode. Well done!

[@manxkin]

I love the beignets at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans. The last time I was in New Orleans I made it a point to go back again to Cafe du Monde for beignets and coffee. But first I had a muffuletta from the Central Grocery on Decatur Street. Well done Ms. Vicki. I’ve never had beignets filled with anything. The beignets at Cafe du Monde are bigger but those look good. Well done indeed.

[@slumbercomforts]

Love seeing Mom in the videos now❤ by the way… it’s a French pasty… pronounced Ben-yay

[@DaveBrazda-b4f]

Vicki, an excellent job, they looked great, and i'm sure they tasted great too. Give yourself a big pat on the back. Merry Christmas from Michigan, USA. Looking forward to your next culinary adventure. Also, no need to apologize for anything, you are making foreign recipes, with cooking technics that may not be normal for you, and doing an excellent job.

[@hardtackbeans9790]

Been-yeahs can be tricky. Not as tricky as another fry-bread Sapopillas. But not easy. When right they are Heavenly. I put the scraps in with the squares. They need to be darker. I was always told mahogany so even darker still. Now add syrup and/or honey and/or butter. A complete success Vicki.

[@Ryansmith-zl5nn]

You nailed this & you can eat them with jam,syrup, whatever you like !!!

[@lbvolkman]

Those look lovely, nice job!! Merry Christmas to you alll!

[@sandygrunwaldt1780]

Everyone should be kind. Vicki has always put her best in her cooking skills, and I think she does an amazing job. We love you. Please don't let the naysayers take you down. There's always a rotten apple in every bushel. Love From Michigan and it's a beautiful Christmas Eve 🎄 ❤❤

[@gidgyb1359]

I don't think anyone is being rude, are they? She asks people to let her know if she's done things wrong in the comments.

[@dianelawson1115]

I totally agree. Vicky isn't afraid to try anything 😆 ! She's doing a fantastic job !

[@Queue01]

Every other culture in the world would say "no, that's not how you make Pad thai", or "no, that's not how you make mole poblano", or "no, that's not how you make cacio e pepe". Every culture would say no, but oh no Americans aren't allowed to say that. Just everyone else in the world is allowed, right? Americans have no culture, right? Make anything and call it authentic.

[@MacGuffinExMachina]

Polite constructive criticism is fair, but it should be respectful. I haven't seen anything mean, but I'm not saying there aren't meam comments. I personally live when someone is new at something and learning. I enjoy giving tips, and I like the opposite as well. I don't make videos, but I like to try new things and get feedback to make me better at it.

[@lauriereinertsen]

They are one of my favorite treats from down in New Orleans @ Du Mondes. Your Mom, Vicki is a trouper and a sweetheart for trying all these American foods. Hope you all have a “Happy Christmas” and kisses to that adorable little Archie💋

[@wonderbubbles4092]

I love these videos. Your pot roast video was top notch, Vickie. I haven’t seen James and Millie react to music lately and those videos were some of my favorites. If you do go back to that, please react to The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Their most popular song is Fishing in the Dark.

[@ruthpierson940]

When you end up with confectioners sugar all over yourself it's official you are a beignet maker and consumer. Welcome to our world. From Louisiana.

[@kristinallison5970]

Big fan of any American treat! Truth be told this Is more of a New Orleans speciality! Being Christmas Eve, it would've been fun to see an American Christmas treat! Like eggnog, Cranberry bread, cookies under the tree, something we all enjoy as a whole! I'm happy you tried this, though...just not giving me Merry Christmas America vibes!

[@Pinkfong2]

I was ending my Christmas Eve and am so tired but had to watch you cooking. You did a fantastic job. Your. Great at cooking. Merry Christmas.

[@raquelmanteiga3269]

Merry Christmas Beesleys' family🎄🎁❤

[@bluetinsel7099]

These Beignets(Ben-yay)s look great, they are delicious with jams in them. They are great with coffee and in New Orleans a chicory root coffee is sometimes paired with them and they’re delicious. You did a great job on these.

[@BTinSF]

In NOLA or anywhere else, I get hot chocolate with mine. Not a big coffee drinker.

[@bluetinsel7099]

@ There is also chicory without coffee, but it may be more similar to coffee than chocolate. Either way in NOLA most people do enjoy beignets with chicory coffee as that’s more of a NOLA thing as well.

[@eileenderheim3768]

Lived in Baton Rouge for a short time as a kid. Anytime we drove to New Orleans , we tried to stop by Cafe De Monde to get beignets and watch the boats on the river. My mom enjoyed them so much that when we moved she bought some mix to take to Texas. Such a treat. yum.

[@CKaffeineIVStat]

Now you’ll have to watch the Princess and the Frog as a family while eating the beignets!!

[@isoldejaneholland8370]

Tiana and Ray!

[@christinawright7054]

Mom says it best. 🎉

[@anthonysalomone3698]

You can actually buy a Beignet mix just like a cake mix. It’s way more easy! Yours looks amazing!

[@danflom1271]

In to learn what a beignet is. I've never heard of them. Greetings Beasley's and Merry Christmas from South Dakota.

[@drewpamon]

There's no reason to start your cooking with an hour of apologies

[@FlyOverZone]

Louisiana calls them beignets. Many American states across the South and in the West have sopapillas instead. Which is basically the same thing.

[@Aeolusdallas]

I learned to never eat these ont he way to work. You will get covered in powdered sugar lol

[@sherryheim5504]

Beignets are best right after they are cooked, like donuts they lose something if they sit. I used to go to a coffee shop that made them every morning and served them with a pile of vanilla whipped cream and fresh strawberries. They were delightful but they sold out early so if I didn't get them before 8 a.m., they were all gone.

[@FlyOverZone]

Those Looked AMAZING!!

[@DaveBrazda-b4f]

I bet the raw dough would freeze well, if you didn't want to fry all of them, maybe isolate each with parchment paper to stop sticking together.

[@Yvette-b4p]

I have actually never seen or heard of these. They look yummy. I make poor man donuts out of buttermilk biscuits with chocolate icing, powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar. Has anyone ever tried to roll these in cinnamon and sugar, or Bavarian cream (or custard), since they can be filled? I, definitely, want to try them. Vicki is so cute powdered sugar on her face.

[@bluetinsel7099]

There are a Spanish version of these known as Sopapillas(So-pa-pee-ya)s and they are often done in cinnamon and sugar and a honey sauce or dulce de leche(like a caramel) and yes they are delicious. The Beignets(Ben-yay)s are often done with powdered sugar and some do have jams stuffed inside and they are wonderful. Both styles are delicious and once you have them you’ll come back again for them.

[@sandygrunwaldt1780]

Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS to You and Your Family ❤❤

[@garyi.1360]

They look great, Vikki. Good job.

[@WillardWooten]

Just curious , how big is your farm if you have help. No farm here , yet but part of the 5 acres maybe half acre for 58 Chickens 10 Peking Ducks and 2 Geese. They run free during day but their pen is made with 10 feet high cyclone fencing that is buried 2 feet into the ground with electric wire around. Their are a lot of Coyotes here near Mt. Rainier so the rest of property is guarded by 5 Black German Shepherds.

[@dawnyoung8]

They look delicious ! Well done

[@jpcjc32]

You are becoming quite the chef!

[@rrr40]

merry Christmas and all the best to all in the new year

[@nullakjg767]

eating those without coffee is actually crazy lol.

[@CollaborativeDog]

Perfect!! Don't inhale while taking a bite!😂 Chicory coffee is the perfect match.

[@AC-ni4gt]

I remember learning about beignets from Princess and the Frog. Also you guys reacted to Jolly trying beignets. I remember because it's also the same one with Bananas Foster in it. Happy Christmas everyone!

[@isoldejaneholland8370]

Tiana and Ray!

[@juliaellis2046]

Vickie is courageous to attempt recipes for foods she has, in some cases, never seen.

[@mariaeisenhardt2296]

The darker ones look delicious. Pronounced BEN-YAY. They are best still warm and covered with white powdered sugar. Great gob for someone who’s never tried beignets.

[@darcyjorgensen5808]

When hot, put them in a brown bag and toss them with loads of powdered sugar. Eat immediately.

[@patricequinn7733]

Beignets are sometimes filled with fruit or custard.

[@raquelmanteiga3269]

A Cafe' Du Mond just opened in Jersey

[@rainbowunicorn709]

How are the stepfather, as well as the other family members and friends are feeling about the American recipes?

[@ericmatson117]

Looks perfect

[@isoldejaneholland8370]

As several other people have already mentioned, beignets are the specialty dish of New Orleans chef Tiana in 2009's The Princess and the Frog. If Grandma Vicki has anything to say about it, food-centric movies like that and Ratatouille will definitely be in Archie's movie viewing rotation in a few years. 🙂👍

[@ruthpierson940]

Break them open and put some honey butter in the cavity and the will be a mexican sopapillas.

[@kelliefish6259]

Looks yummy. Vickie, you pronounced them correctly. Now you need to teach James and Millie how to pronounce them.😂

[@emjai2122]

It’s Ben-YAYs!!! 😂

[@jeffhampton2767]

🎅🎄🦌🎁MERRY CHRISTMAS🎁🦌🎄🎅

[@ihearttubing]

Excellent job!!!

[@ruthpierson940]

WATCH OUT they are addictive.

[@Peggi109]

In New York we have zeppoli, which are Italian influenced type of donut. Why do you always try southern food? Try some northern (NYC) food soon.

[@dawnyoung8]

Whenever I’ve had them , I’ve never made them , they’re bigger than yours . Like the size of a hamburger bun only they’re square . I wonder if yours are crispier ?

[@ThomasArndtOkieVampire]

It's common to put honey inside them, but it's a choice by the eater, which also speaks to a jam probably. 😃

[@ericmatson117]

Ben-yeas

[@debrasamaha3896]

I use a small clear bowl to crack my eggs in 1 at a time to make sure no eggshells and no rotten eggs 😊

[@gregdiamond6023]

Merry Christmas to the Beesleys!!

[@andygossard4293]

I had no idea Beignets were a thing outside of New Orleans. They definitely help make a reason for the trip there.

[@KTKacer]

Braver than me, Vicky Also more patient, I don't typically do well w/ things I need to wait that long to finish! I think the lighter ones, probably, but you tasted them which is best? Christmas Eve here, have a very Merry Christmas or w/e Winter Holiday you do!

[@markmitchell457]

Very good job Vicki! Americans usually just buy them and only in Louisiana. I've never known anybody who's made them at home before you're amazing.

[@Apollo_Blaze]

I actually sometimes buy them with no sugar at all, and they are delicious that way too. I love them with sugar and without, depending on my mood at the time. You did a wonderful job here. You need to serve these at one of your teas. Of course they are eaten with some good cafe au lait. ( which is strong coffee with milk)

[@billchmelik5697]

Lol, you can't enjoy them without getting powdered sugar ALL over!😂

[@scottwilliams8851]

I lived in the French Quarter from 1979-1988. Cafe du Monde's beignets are served volcano hot. They're taken directly from the fryer, plopped on a plate, dusted with sugar, and brought to your table. No silverware -- I always imagined that was because if they're too hot for your fingers, they're too hot for your mouth. Don't breath when a beignet is near your face. I blew on mine the first time to cool it off and sent powdered sugar all over the place. When they've cooled enough to be moderately painful, that's go time. Geaux time? The muscles in your neck, trapezius, shoulders, and back will relax, and you may slump into your seat. You've got about 10 minutes to eat the rest of them before the magic expires. They're not the same when they've cooled off, so don't doggy bag any or get an extra order to eat later. My economics professor used beignets as a perfect example of marginal utility. If I remember correctly, they cost less than a dollar each back then. I looked up the menu online, and they're still under $5 per serving. Add a regular coffee and you've experienced the ultimate oral joy for under $10. Tip generously if you can.

[@frequentdiner4635]

A most definite success Vicky. Well done! James, if possible please set up an Amazon wish list. There are so many things I'd like to send your mom but I can't send to a P O Box. If you have a wish list though, I can send even if you don't have the items there.

[@robertpowell2556]

Excellent job!

[@wendykleeb2071]

Love watching your mom, too!

[@joyannwesson]

I watched it on patreon, and now I'm watching it again.

[@carischaoticcreations3925]

We dont fill beignets. Just thrown into a paper bag with powdered sugar while they are still warm. Shake and enjoy with a lovely cup of chicory coffee. I make mine bigger but you did a fantastic job. ❤

[@ALLarson-k1k]

These came out great! I think I saw chickens outside the door.

[@wendykleeb2071]

A success for sure! Lovely.

[@DanaInNewOrleans]

New Orleanian here…. It’s pronounced ben-yay (“beignet”is French). Come to New Orleans and try beignets and café au lait at Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarter. Cafe Du Monde has been serving beignets and café au lait since 1862. Come for a visit Beesleys!

[@tinatrujillo2296]

Looks beautiful! I'm 57. I'm a northerner from Ohio. I've never had those. I'm glad you're family got to try them great job ... Please oh please stop carrying around hot oil. It's fine if we don't see that ...

[@rosiewilliams6531]

Look so good. Job well done.

[@sharnadixon-scott710]

Just remeber its a french dish so it has a french pronunciation

[@channelthree9424]

You would think that them being so close to France that they would know how to pronounce French words.

[@CCoburn3]

Merry Christmas to all.

[@lindavonh131]

I’m 60 years old lived in different states and in different countries I have never seen of heard of these born American. Never even tasted them. They do look delicious. We have similar which is pizza frita fried dough or elephant ears at the fair. Kinda like bread or pizza dough fried but they are big like plate size.

[@channelthree9424]

Beignets are very New Orleans.

[@StephenRyter]

Next time you come to the States you must visit New Orleans and have some beignets and coffee at Cafe du Monde. Plus, you can try some fantastic Creole and Cajun cuisine.

[@marycoombe2436]

I think you should cut them a little bigger. Also let them rest a bit before deep frying to give them a chance to raise a bit. Makes them even lighter.

[@jonathanfreedom1st]

Yes. Ben Yay is the pronunciation. I'm not French, a New Orleaian, or ever been there. I'm just half Greek from Northern Ohio 😂 what do I know.

[@orangesherbert775]

Those look great!

[@lindacarroll6896]

Ben Yahs - They are going to want them every day.

[@jeannem.6534]

I prefer when you two cook and bake.