Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter to the flour mixture. Mix on low speed with a dough hook attachment until a smooth dough forms.
4. Add the chopped pecans to the dough and mix until evenly distributed.
5. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
7. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
8. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to allow for expansion.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bollen are golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.
11. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the bollen while they are still warm.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 bollen
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Sodium: 150mg
Sugar: 15g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour.
- Almonds or walnuts can be used instead of pecans.
- Maple syrup or honey can be used instead of caramel sauce.
Variations:
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced flavor.
- Add raisins or dried cranberries to the dough for a fruity twist.
- Use chocolate sauce instead of caramel sauce for a chocolatey bollen.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the yeast is fresh and not expired.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place, such as an oven with the light on.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the bollen while they are still warm for better absorption.
Storage instructions:
Store the bollen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Warm the bollen in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the bollen on a platter with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
Garnishes:
Chopped pecans, caramel sauce, powdered sugar, whipped cream.
Pairings:
Coffee, tea, hot chocolate.
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit, yogurt, scrambled eggs.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- If the bollen are not rising, make sure the yeast is fresh and the dough is in a warm place.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling food. Check the expiration date of the yeast before using it.
Food history:
Bollen are a traditional Dutch pastry that are typically eaten on New Year's Eve. They are similar to doughnuts but are shaped like balls and filled with raisins or currants.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet, nutty, caramel.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the bollen warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Caramelized