A Special Breakfast For Mom

Every family has different traditions, and growing up in Early Show contributor Katie Lee Joel's house, it was always the same every year: a Mother's Day brunch of beignets -- also known as fried dough, fruit salad and café au lait.

Joel and her mom, Kim Becker, shared their special New Orleans-inspired tradition on The Early Show Thursday.

RECIPES:

Beignets

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
1 envelope dry yeast
1 cup evaporated milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
6 to 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Canola oil, for frying
2 cups powdered sugar

METHOD: Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup lukewarm water. Let stand 5 minutes to activate. It should be bubbly. In a large bowl, beat the evaporated milk, remaining 1 cup warm water, eggs, sugar and salt, until combined. Stir in canola oil. Add yeast and mix well. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time. Spray a clean bowl with nonstick cooking spray. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm area for one hour. Heat canola oil in a deep fryer to 360°F. Place dough on a floured surface and roll out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a sharp knife, cut into 3-inch squares. Carefully drop dough into the fryer. Flip constantly, until beignets are golden brown. Drain on a paper towel and dust with powdered sugar.

Fruit Salad

This makes a large amount, but it will keep in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for a few days, perfect for breakfast before work later in the week. Any combination of fruit can be substituted, so customize to your taste.

INGREDIENTS:
1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks (about 3 cups)
1 seedless orange, peeled and cut into chunks (about 1 cup)
1 medium apple, cored and cut into chunks (about 1 cup)
1/2 cantaloupe, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks (about 2 cups)
1/2 honeydew, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks (about 2 cups)
1 cup strawberries, stems removed and sliced in half
2 kiwi fruit, peeled and cut into chunks (about 1/2 cup)
1 cup blueberries
1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
1/2 cup mini marshmallows
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup superfine sugar

METHOD: In a large bowl, toss all ingredients together. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.

Café au Lait

INGREDIENTS:
4 cups strong hot coffee
4 cups hot milk
Sugar, to taste

METHOD: Fill each coffee mug with half coffee and half milk. Add sugar to taste, if desired.