I became exposed to beignets during my recent trip to New Orleans Louisiana and Jackson Mississippi.

Believe it or not, prior to this trip, I had never eaten a beignet. Not only that, I had never even heard of a beignet.  Hard to believe, I must admit.  You wonder where I have been all these years.

It is even more weird because I have been to New Orleans and Jackson Mississippi many, many times.  Even more recently, like 6 months ago, I spent two weeks in Paris.  Yet, I have never run into beignets before.  Crazy!

Having lunch with a lifelong resident of Jackson MS the other day, she said “would you like to have some beignets?”  I really did not understand what she was saying.  Beignets is pronounced ben yayz.  I asked “what did you say?”  She responded by again saying beignet.  I told her that I did not know what that was.  She looked at me as if I was from outer space.

And this was just after I had decided what specific kind of grits that I wanted, trying to show that I know what I am doing in the south.  I love my grits.

But my cover was broken when she mentioned beignets.  I had no idea what she was talking about.  Oh my god.  Where have you been, Neil, I am thinking to myself.

Flummoxed, embarrassed, I sit up straight and ask “what is beignet?”

It turns out that beignets are to Louisiana and Mississippi what cheese curds are to Wisconsin.  They are very important, and they are very good.  In fact, beignets are the official state doughnut of the State of Louisiana since 1986.

So, me being me, I have started to do some research on beignets.  To some they are French doughnuts.  Made from sweetened dough with yeast, deep fried, cut into square shaped pieces and sprinkled – really doused — with lots of powdered sugar.  They are often eaten with a cup of coffee.  They also are served as a desert or a snack during the day.

I am told that the store in New Orleans to get beignets is Café Du Monde.  I did not have time to go to the store in downtown New Orleans, but I was able to go to the small counter Café Du Monde at the airport.

I have learned that warm beignets are much preferred.  I have also learned the hard way that beignets come drenched in white powdered sugar.  They are coated with that stuff.  When I ordered my three beignets they came in a paper bag with all kinds of extra powdered sugar.  I enjoyed shaking my paper bag several times trying to make sure that each of my beignets was totally covered with white powdered sugar.  When you eat a beignet, if you eat them the way I eat them, you WILL get white powdery sugar all over your face and clothes.  Comes with the territory.

Bottom line, if you are planning to travel to Louisiana or Mississippi, make sure that you are aware of beignets.  More than that, make sure that you order them at every opportunity you have. Also, make sure that you know how to pronounce beignet (ben yay).

This will stand you in good stead with your local friends and acquaintances.

I am now a beignet believer and booster.