Beignets have been making people happy in New Orleans, and throughout the world, since being introduced by French immigrants centuries ago. Two decades ago, third generation New Orleanian, Ralph Brennan, took deep pride in this hometown confection, and exported this treat across the country. He ultimately named one of his restaurants after it – Beignets Expressed – in the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, California.

This pillowy confection consists of fried, puffed pieces of yeast dough, usually about two inches in diameter or a two-inch square. After being crisped to a golden brown, they are customarily sprinkled with powdered sugar, sugar and more sugar.

The Beignets Expressed culinary team presents a veritable selection of beignets, including the Classic dusted with powdered sugar and the Glazed featuring infinitely delicious flavors like Bananas Foster, Strawberry Shortcake, Grasshopper, Rainbow Crunch, Snickerdoodle, Apple Pie, Piña Colada, Chocolate Hazelnut, Cookies & Cream and Campfire S’mores.

To celebrate the prominence of beignets, the National Day Archives has granted National Beignet Day, September 17, to Beignets Expressed and Ralph Brennan.

“People like beignets because they are sweet, sharable, and satisfying treats and I am happy we could bring a signature taste of my hometown for other cities to enjoy,” says Ralph Brennan. “Now the country is able to celebrate with us annually, on this dedicated day, September 17 – the official state pastry of Louisiana.”