Desserts > French Pastry

Banana Nut Crullers Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying

Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Rolling pin
- Cruller cutter or donut cutter
- Deep fryer or large pot
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Paper towels

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

2. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Stir in the mashed bananas and chopped walnuts until well combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, milk, and vanilla extract.

5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for a few seconds until it comes together.

7. Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut out crullers using a cruller cutter or donut cutter.

8. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.

9. Fry the crullers in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.

10. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to transfer the crullers to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

11. Serve warm or at room temperature.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Frying temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 8-10 crullers.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 220
Total fat: 11g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 170mg
Total carbohydrates: 27g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute chopped pecans or almonds for the walnuts.
- You can use vegetable shortening instead of butter.
- You can use buttermilk instead of regular milk.

Variations:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a spiced version.
- Drizzle with a glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Dip in melted chocolate and sprinkle with additional chopped nuts.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is cold and cubed to ensure a flaky texture.
- Do not overmix the dough or the crullers will be tough.
- Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
- Dust the crullers with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar before serving.

Storage instructions:
Store the crullers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the crullers in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the crullers on a platter and dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. Serve with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Garnishes:
Sprinkle with additional chopped nuts or drizzle with melted chocolate.

Pairings:
Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfait.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it comes together.
- If the crullers are too dark on the outside but still raw on the inside, lower the frying temperature.
- If the crullers are too greasy, drain them on a paper towel-lined plate for a few minutes before serving.

Food safety advice:
- Use caution when working with hot oil.
- Do not overcrowd the fryer or pot.
- Make sure the crullers are cooked through before serving.

Food history:
Crullers are a type of pastry that originated in Europe and were brought to America by Dutch settlers. They are typically made with a dough similar to that of a cake donut and are twisted or braided into a unique shape.

Flavor profiles:
The banana and walnut flavors in these crullers are sweet and nutty, with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla.

Serving suggestions:
Serve these crullers as a sweet breakfast treat or as a dessert. They are perfect for brunch or a special occasion.

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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Crispy