What is a beignet? A yummy, warm square doughnut with powdered sugar on top. These little “bumps” were brought to Louisiana in the 18th century by the French – and now they are as common to Louisiana cuisine as their appearance on or after a French dish. Deep fried and the perfect coffee companion, eat them when they are hot for best results.

New Orleans is a new love of mine because it effortlessly struck all my senses, as I am sure it does the same for the many tourists it draws in each year. A walk in the French Quarter looks like bright blue and purple houses, the trot of horses guiding their carriages, the smell of fresh fish on one block, and smoky coffee flavors around the next corner. Shops lure morning walkers in with their unique trinkets and art, the air is vibrant with music, breezes off the Mississippi River tousle one’s hair, trees are adorned with beads, street performers are dressed in characters made up by their own imaginations. It is a walk through a storybook.

Every story does come to an end. Mine was a happy ending of beignets and a belly warming coffee and steamed milk combination, a cafe au lait. Check out http://www.cafedumonde.com for their boxed make-your-own beignets and fresh ground coffee tins to order. It’s quite the out-of-the-box holiday gift as well. Enjoy!

Visit http://www.projectgogirl.com for more episodes and additional episodes! Follow me on Twitter @Chels_McMahon.