beignet
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A beignet is a type of pastry. It is a square or rectangular piece of dough that is deep-fried. After frying, it is traditionally dusted with a generous amount of powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar). The dough is typically made with yeast, which makes it light and airy inside.
Examples
- For breakfast, we had café au lait and warm beignets covered in powdered sugar.
- The classic New Orleans beignet is served hot and fresh, often in orders of three.
- She bit into the beignet, and a cloud of sugar poofed into the air.
Advanced Usage
- Cultural Context: The term beignet is strongly associated with New Orleans and French Creole cuisine. Ordering "beignets and coffee" is a quintessential experience in that city.
- Distinction from Other Pastries: While similar to other fried dough pastries, a beignet is specifically defined by its yeast-raised dough, square shape, and heavy coating of powdered sugar, distinguishing it from doughnuts (which are often ring-shaped and glazed) or fritters (which may contain fruit).
Variants and Related Words
- Beignet is a loanword from French, where it has a broader meaning, referring to various types of fritters or doughnuts. The English usage is more specific.
- Fritter (noun): A general term for a piece of food, often fruit or meat, coated in batter and deep-fried.
- Doughnut (noun): A small, sweet, fried cake of dough, typically ring-shaped or filled.
Synonyms
- Fritter (though this is a broader category)
- Fried dough pastry
Related Phrases
- Café au lait and beignets: A classic food pairing, especially in New Orleans.
- Powdered sugar beignet: A descriptive phrase often used on menus to specify the classic style.
Noun
- a deep-fried, yeast-raised doughnut dusted with confectioners' sugar