Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup apple sauce
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Cooling rack
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and yeast. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, eggs, melted butter, salt, and ground cinnamon.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness.
7. Cut out circles using a biscuit cutter or drinking glass. Place them on a floured surface and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F.
9. Fry the pączki in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.
10. Remove the pączki from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
11. Dust the pączki with powdered sugar while they are still warm.
12. To make the apple-cinnamon filling, mix the apple sauce with a pinch of ground cinnamon.
13. Once the pączki have cooled, use a piping bag or knife to fill them with the apple-cinnamon filling.
Time:
Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Temperature:
Frying temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 12-15 pączki.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Fat per serving: 8g
Carbohydrates per serving: 40g
Protein per serving: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
- Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of granulated sugar.
- Instant yeast can be used instead of active dry yeast.
- Soy milk or almond milk can be used instead of cow's milk for a dairy-free option.
- Margarine can be used instead of unsalted butter for a vegan option.
Variations:
- Blueberry or raspberry jam can be used instead of apple-cinnamon filling.
- Lemon or orange zest can be added to the dough for a citrusy flavor.
- Chocolate chips or Nutella can be added to the dough for a decadent treat.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the pączki to prevent them from absorbing too much oil.
- Use a slotted spoon to gently flip the pączki while frying to avoid splashing hot oil.
- Don't overfill the pączki with filling to prevent them from bursting.
- Dust the pączki with powdered sugar while they are still warm to help the sugar stick better.
Storage instructions:
- Store the pączki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- To freeze, wrap the pączki individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the pączki in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the pączki on a platter and dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve the pączki with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Garnishes:
- Fresh fruit such as sliced apples or berries can be used as a garnish.
- Chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled on top.
Pairings:
- Coffee or tea pairs well with the sweet and spicy flavors of the pączki.
- A glass of cold milk or hot chocolate is a great accompaniment for a cozy treat.
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfait can be served as a light side dish.
- Scrambled eggs or omelets can be served as a savory side dish for a breakfast or brunch spread.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little bit of flour until it becomes manageable.
- If the pączki are too dense, make sure the dough has risen enough before frying.
- If the pączki are too greasy, make sure the oil is hot enough and drain them on paper towels after frying.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pączki to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
- Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of the oil before frying.
- Wash your hands and all surfaces thoroughly before and after handling raw dough.
Food history:
- Pączki are a traditional Polish pastry that are typically eaten on Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent begins.
- They are similar to doughnuts but are typically filled with fruit or cream and are denser and richer in flavor.
Flavor profiles:
- The apple-cinnamon pączki have a sweet and spicy flavor with a hint of tartness from the apple sauce.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pączki as a sweet breakfast or brunch treat.
- They can also be served as a dessert or snack with coffee or tea.
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Region: Polish