I would have stuffed all of this in Saturday Stuff, but the internet is out. So annoying. But these Beignets are not annoying!!! They are Amaaaaahhhhzzzzing!!!! If you want to get straight to them I totally understand, just skip the next seven paragraphs and get right into the crispy savory goodness that are these somehow juicy and crunchy, savory and sweet bites of perfection. Otherwise, I’m going to give you an ear full.

So, Halloween was absolutely adorable. I would say that I went FAR less “all out” than years past, but the kids were so into it (they are finally at that age) that it totally made up for my lack of enthusiasm this year. Like we didn’t really decorate this year (isn’t that sad!?) and we carved pumpkins on Wednesday (and painted our teal pumpkin too!) In all it was great- they had so much fun.

Pete and I did the first part of trick or treating close to us, and then brought the girls to my sisters house (same neighborhood, about a mile away) for my more industrious teenage niece to take them to all the “good houses”. I intended to head back home to snuggle by the fire with my honey and eat salsa, but my brother in law took me down with one of his industrial strength martini’s, so that didn’t really work out. Instead we stayed at my sister’s passing out candy and I fretted that the bowl I left outside at our house did not hold enough candy for the trick or treaters. Of course I was just lying to myself. The bowl was barely touched, and it had only held a fraction of the candy I purchased for “all of the trick or treaters” that I imagined would finally decide that we were a “good” house this year. In fact, when we were driving home, I saw a few kids and their parents headed up our street, which only has a couple houses on it. I literally made Pete pull over so I could run in through the front gate while he parked below in case there wasn’t candy out there. Then the family had the nerve to walk right by our house. I honest to God was yelling/pleading, “Excuse me? Do you want some candy?!” They came back to see the crazy lady with the full bowl OUTSIDE of her house waving around bug handfuls of candy bars. “uh, sure”.

Then I dumped ALL of the candy in their bags, while they continued to think I was crazy and then I re-filled the bowl and left it on the porch and went in for the night. That was the full extent of my trick or treaters.

On a less crazy, more cute note, Coco went as a Zombie Ice Queen, which she would like to clarify has nothing to do with Frozen or Elsa. And Pia was a Pirate. I drew stitches on my face with white and brown wet and wild eyeliner, so my costume totaled $1.89. I had to after Pia told me I had to dress up for her school party which I helped at. And you have to understand, last year, I totally without shame wore a full scale giant yellow chicken costume to her school. That’s when I was a new parent and everyone thought I was crazy. That seems to be the theme of this post actually.

Anyways, as Halloween concludes, the candy was taken away last night by the “switch-witch” who left two very cute little American Girl Doll Dogs for my very cute little girls who seemed very happy without a single piece of candy last night. What a difference a year makes. (By the way, I noted last night to my husband that if it had been a year ago, I would have easily taken down at LEAST 10 Reeses peanut butter cups). I guess, instead, it was one lethal dirty martini. I’m not sure I won on that count.

Then by the way we came home to no Cable and no internet. I have a few choice words for Comcast, none of which are appropriate here. I am also probably posting this from a Starbucks or my phone or something.

And last night was my youngest cousins wedding! I love anytime the whole family gets to be together, and this was pretty much a family reunion on my moms side. So fun, and the girls are danced their faces off. So, a long week. And a happy week. I kind of forgot that I was even in New York, it feels so long ago (it was 4 days ago)- but Halloween and Comcast trouble will do that to you…

NOW, to make these Shrimp Coconut Beignets:

In a smaller bowl, combine the coconut milk and the vinegar and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together the gluten free flour, baking powder, kosher salt, cayenne and coconut.

Make a well in the center and add the oil and the coconut milk. Mix everything together with a spatula until you have a thick sticky batter. In a heavy pan or pot, bring the oil to 350-375 degrees.

Form little balls of batter around each raw shrimp (see picture).

Fry 4-5 balls at a time until golden brown, about 4 minutes.

While the beignets are frying make the Apricot Chili Honey Sauce by whisking all of the ingredients together in a small bowl. Pull the beignets out of the oil with a strainer and leave to drain on a paper towel. Serve hot with the dipping sauce.