Hurricane Zeta didn't stop chef Laura from fixing banana beignets as a snack

Banana beignets straight from chef Laura's Louisiana kitchen

Chef Laura Arredondo lives in Slidell, Louisiana which is only 30 plus miles from New Orleans across Lake Pontchartrain. The state has been hammered by hurricanes and this storm is no exception.

Hurricane Zeta is the fifth named storm to make landfall in Louisiana. The record number of storms in 2020 makes this hurricane season, in regards to the number of storms, the worst since 1851.  Hurricane Zeta made landfall in New Orleans with 100 mph winds Wednesday evening and many across several states are without power.  

My friend and chef Laura said the wind and rain wouldn't let up. She said the sound of the storm was terrible. They have been without power, as many others in the path of Zeta...luckily, they have a generator to keep the lights on. 

Laura posted on her Facebook page last night, "Hurricane Zeta is passing through Slidell. Lots of rain and wind. The eye of the hurricane was a calm chicha, with much peace and silence. You only hear the generator in the distance. I'm scared."  

Hearing Chef Laura say she was scared caused me to pause. She's a brave woman with a lot of heart and soul. She prepared these banana beignets before the hurricane hit. Something for the family to snack on while they were hunkered down. They're fabulous. I can't wait to make them myself. She sent me the recipe last evening. What can I say? She's special. 

Banana beignets

Mix together
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 bananas diced into small pieces

Add 2 cups of flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 cup milk

Mix altogether and with a spoon drop small amounts in hot oil. When done put the confectioner’s sugar and enjoy.

Simply delicious. Thanks, Laura.
​