French Quarter Smash Recipes

FRENCH QUARTER SMASH

Steps:

• Bring the sugar and water to a boil, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved.
• Reduce heat to a simmer, and stir in the almond extract.
• Taste for the desired potency and add small amounts of extract as needed. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for about 20 minutes.
• Gather the ingredients.
• In a cocktail shaker , muddle the lemon wedges and almond syrup until all of the juices are extracted.
• Add the moonshine, brandy, mint leaves, and blueberry preserves, and fill the shaker with ice .
• Shake vigorously to fully mix the preserves.
• Double strain into an old-fashioned glass with 1 large ice cube .
• Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint. Serve and enjoy.

FRENCH MARKET SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°. In a small bowl, combine butter, mustard, onions, poppy seeds and curry powder. Spread over cut sides of croissants. Place ham and cheese on croissants; replace tops. Wrap individually in foil., Bake 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Serve immediately.

NEW ORLEANS STYLE BEIGNET RECIPE

Steps:

• Combine the Yeast, Water, and Sugar in the work bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (You could also make this in a food processor, or the old fashioned way, by hand).
• Let this sit until frothy, about 5 minutes, then add the Salt, Egg, and Evaporated Milk.
• Mix on low speed, then add half of the flour until it starts to come together, then add the shortening.
• When the shortening is incorporated start adding the remaining flour, a little at a time until most of it is incorporated.
• At this time I always turn the dough onto a floured bench to finish by hand, just like when I make bread; it's a touch thing.
• Knead the dough adding just enough flour as necessary to make a non-sticky, smooth dough.
• Place the dough into a large oiled bowl, loosely cover and let rise (I made mine last night and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator).
• After the dough has doubled in bulk, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface and roll out into a rectangle that is about 1/2-inch thick.
• With a very sharp knife working at a diagonal to the rectangle, cut into 2-inch wide strips.
• Now cut into diamond shapes by making diagonal cuts in the opposite direction.
• Place the Beignets on a floured baking sheet to let rise about 40 minutes in a warm place (I place them in a barely warm oven).
• When the Beignets have risen, heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large saucepan to 350-360 degrees.
• Place 2-3 Beignets into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to smash or deflate them.
• When they are golden brown, flip them over until golden brown on the other side (They go pretty quickly so start checking them right after they go into the oil).
• Remove to paper towel lined plates to drain.
• Serve hot topped with plenty of powdered sugar (because the dough doesn't contain much sugar, you will want a lot!).
• Best served with Cafe au Lait. Enjoy!