Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup honey
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or large pot
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, olive oil, orange juice, brandy, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
2. Divide the dough into four equal parts and roll each part into a thin sheet on a floured surface.
3. Cut the sheets into strips about 1 inch wide and 8 inches long.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F.
5. Take each strip of dough and twist it into a spiral shape, then carefully drop it into the hot oil. Fry the diples until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
6. Remove the diples from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. In a small saucepan, heat the honey over low heat until it becomes thin and runny.
8. Dip each diple into the warm honey, then sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
9. Serve the diples warm or at room temperature.
- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Oil temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- Makes about 40 diples
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of brandy, you can use rum or ouzo.
- Instead of walnuts, you can use almonds or pistachios.
Variations:
- You can add 1/2 cup of sesame seeds to the dough for a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
- You can add 1/4 cup of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the diples to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Use a pastry brush to brush the honey onto the diples for an even coating.
- 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:
- To reheat the diples, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the diples on a platter and drizzle with extra honey and chopped walnuts.
- Serve the diples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Garnishes:
- Chopped walnuts
- Sesame seeds
- Powdered sugar
Pairings:
- Greek coffee
- Sweet wine, such as Muscat or Retsina
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Greek yogurt with honey and nuts
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more orange juice or brandy.
- If the diples are too greasy, let them drain on a paper towel for a few minutes before dipping them in honey.
Food safety advice:
- Be careful when working with hot oil to prevent burns.
- Make sure the diples are cooked all the way through before serving.
Food history:
- Diples are a traditional Greek dessert that are typically served during special occasions, such as weddings and holidays.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet
- Nutty
- Spicy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the diples as a dessert or a sweet snack.
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Region: Greek