Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Special equipment needed:
- Rolling pin
- Fattigmann cutter or cookie cutter
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the softened butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
6. Divide the dough into 4 portions and roll each portion out to 1/8 inch thickness.
7. Use a fattigmann cutter or cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the dough.
8. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 375°F.
9. Fry the dough shapes in batches until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
10. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried fattigmann to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
11. Dust the fried fattigmann with powdered sugar while still warm.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Frying temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
Makes about 4 dozen fattigmann
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 70
Total fat: 3g
Saturated fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 25mg
Total carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Total sugars: 4g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with powdered sugar or brown sugar.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with whole milk or half-and-half.
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with salted butter, but adjust the amount of salt accordingly.
Variations:
- Add lemon zest or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor.
- Dip the fried fattigmann in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar or nutmeg on top of the powdered sugar for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the dough is rolled out to an even thickness to ensure even frying.
- Do not overcrowd the pot or fryer with too many fattigmann at once, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy, undercooked fattigmann.
- Use a fattigmann cutter or cookie cutter with a simple design for easy frying and handling.
Storage instructions:
Store the fried fattigmann in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the fried fattigmann in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warm and crispy.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the fried fattigmann on a platter and dust with powdered sugar. Serve with hot cocoa or coffee.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh berries or whipped cream for a festive touch.
Pairings:
Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or tea for a cozy winter treat.
Suggested side dishes:
Fattigmann can be served as a standalone treat or paired with other Scandinavian desserts like krumkake or rosettes.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a splash of milk or cream to moisten it.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour to the mixture.
- If the fattigmann are greasy, make sure the oil temperature is at 375°F and do not overcrowd the pot or fryer.
Food safety advice:
- Use caution when frying with hot oil and keep children and pets away from the stove.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and prevent overheating or burning.
- Allow the fried fattigmann to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent burns.
Food history:
Fattigmann, also known as "poor man's cookies," are a traditional Norwegian Christmas cookie that dates back to the 18th century. The cookies were originally made with leftover ingredients and served to the less fortunate during the holiday season.
Flavor profiles:
Fattigmann are a crispy, buttery cookie with a hint of vanilla and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the fried fattigmann as a festive treat during the holiday season or as a sweet snack any time of year.
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Region: Norwegian
Taste: Sweet, Buttery, Nutty, Cinnamon, Cinnamon-Spiced