I’m addicted to anything pumpkin and these beignets from the secret Club 33 at Disneyland are right up my alley!

Pumpkin Beignets

• 1/2 teaspoon dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (105º)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup canned 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

1. Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a small bowl, stirring to dissolve. Let stand for 5 minutes.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Heat 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°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.
5. Remove with tongs or a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain.

Maple Glaze

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup powdered sugar

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

mmmm… delish!