I remember visiting Café Du Monde when I was a kid. It was the only thing I remembered about New Orleans. Now going back as an adult I have a completely different perspective of the city. However, seeing Café Du Monde and thinking about their beignets made me feel like a kid all over again.
The original coffee stand opened in 1862 in the New Orleans French Market. They are open 24/7, which means whenever you get hungry for something sweet, they are there for you. Their world famous coffee is served Black or Au Lait (half and half with hot milk) although if you truly want to feel like a kid, then get a chocolate milk.
Some people might not be familiar with what beignets are, so for a little background, they are square French donuts that are covered with powdered sugar. You might think they would be heavy, but they really are not; they are light and the dough has a sweet taste, even without adding the powdered sugar. Despite that, eating them with powdered sugar is a MUST. You get 3 per order but be prepared not to share, you will want each one!
There is always a crowd, so be prepared to wait in line. Part of the fun is eating the beignets there in the outdoor café, though if you are in a hurry, you can always get them to go. They are perfect for breakfast or as dessert after eating some awesome Cajun jumbo.
If you want to have a little New Orleans at home you can buy the beignet mix and coffee there to take with you. Depending on where you live, you might be lucky enough to find the mix and coffee at your local grocery store.
If you want a taste the sweet side of New Orleans, check out Café Du Monde. www.cafedumonde.com
Enjoy!
T
