French Pate Choux Beignets

Step 1: In a small mixing bowl, stir together the flour, sugar and salt.

Step 2: Place water and butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

Step 3: Add all of the flour mixture in the bowl, stirring briskly (it will come together like a ball); remove pan from heat.

Step 4: Using a large whisk, blend in eggs one at a time, until mixture is smooth and whites are well incorporated.

Step 5: Add the lemon zest and stir to blend.

Step 6: Heat enough oil to deep fry to a temp of 375F (at least several inches).

Step 7: Drop batter mixture by rounded teaspoonfuls into hot oil and cook 5-7 minutes, frequently turning beignets with chopsticks to cook all sides, and frying until nicely golden.

Step 8: Drain beignets on paper towels.

Step 9: When cool, dust with powdered sugar (if you dust them while they are too warm, the sugar will melt and get damp).

Step 10: Heat jam until melted using a small saucepan or microwave, stirring occasionally as it melts.

Step 11: Serve beignets with melted strawberry jam as a dipping sauce.