In a large bowl add the warm water and yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes until it starts to proof.

In another bowl whisk together the sugar, eggs, and evaporated milk. Whisk the egg mixture into the yeast mixture.

In a separate bowl add the flour and salt. Add the flour mixture one cup at a time to the yeast mixture until the dough starts to come together.

Remove the dough from the bowl and lightly flour your surface. Knead until the dough becomes smooth and shape into a ball. Add it back to the bowl and cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled 1-2 hours.

Preheat oil in the deep fryer to 350 degrees. Roll the dough into a large rectangle and cut into 2 inch squares. Carefully drop each square into the oil and let it get golden brown on each side 1-2 minutes. Remove with a metal spider strainer. Let the beignets cool and toss in powdered sugar. Serve with chocolate or caramel sauce if desired.