Golden, deep fried sweet beignets with a hidden surprise - strawberries! This sweet yeast dough is soft, pillowy, fluffy and airy. Its the perfect complement to the bright taste of a summery strawberry. Sprinkle liberally with powdered sugar for a cajun inspired pastry treat.
Combine water and milk in a cup and heat for 1 minute in a microwave oven. Pour in a bowl large enough to hold all ingredients (or in a stand mixer mixing bowl).
Add yeast, yolks, melted butter, vanilla extract, and first listed sugar. Using a very firm whisk (or machine whisk) mix until well combined.
Add sifted flour and mix until very smooth and no lumps remain. The consistency will be thicker and stiffer than pancake batter. Cover with plastic food wrap and place in a warm area for 1 hour.
Wash and then remove stems from strawberries. Place on paper towels and set aside.
Heat and keep oil between 350°F and 365°F.
When oil has nearly reached its temperature whisk egg whites and remaining sugar to soft peaks.
Fold into above batter until combined.
Stick a skewer sideways into the strawberries (sticking them in the top area where the stem was will not provide enough strength for the strawberries to hold onto the skewer).
Dip and swirl into beignet batter until evenly coated. Place into oil about 2-3 strawberries at a time. They will float and holding them below oil is a good idea for even browning.
When golden and cooked for about 2-3 minutes remove from oil and place on paper towels. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve.
