Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Special equipment needed:
- Rolling pin
- Pastry cutter or sharp knife
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Slotted spoon
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, olive oil, brandy, water, and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch.
5. Cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F.
7. Fry the dough strips in batches until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
8. Remove the fried dough with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. In a small saucepan, heat the caramel sauce over low heat until warm.
10. In a separate pan, toast the chopped hazelnuts until fragrant and lightly browned.
11. Dip each fried dough strip into the warm caramel sauce, then sprinkle with toasted hazelnuts.
12. Place the dipped and garnished diples on a parchment-lined tray to cool and set.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Frying oil temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
Makes about 20 diples
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 150
Total fat: 8g
Saturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 45mg
Total carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 7g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cornstarch can be substituted with potato starch or arrowroot powder.
- Olive oil can be substituted with vegetable oil or melted butter.
- Brandy can be substituted with rum or cognac.
- Hazelnuts can be substituted with almonds or pecans.
- Caramel sauce can be substituted with chocolate sauce or honey.
Variations:
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced flavor.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the diples instead of caramel sauce.
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream on top.
- Add orange zest or lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Keep the dough covered with a damp cloth while rolling and cutting to prevent it from drying out.
- Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to ensure even cooking.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the diples from the oil to prevent them from breaking.
- Store the diples in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Storage instructions:
Store the diples in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the diples in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warm and crispy.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the diples on a platter and drizzle with extra caramel sauce and chopped hazelnuts. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Garnishes:
Chopped hazelnuts, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or ice cream.
Pairings:
Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad or Greek yogurt.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it becomes more manageable.
- If the diples are too greasy, try frying them at a slightly lower temperature or for a shorter time.
Food safety advice:
- Use caution when working with hot oil to prevent burns.
- Make sure the diples are cooked through before serving to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
Diples are a traditional Greek dessert that is typically served during holidays and special occasions. They are made by frying thin strips of dough and dipping them in honey or syrup.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet, nutty, and crispy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve diples as a dessert or snack.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Greek
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Creamy, Caramelized