Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Special Equipment Needed:
- Deep-fryer or large pot
- Candy thermometer
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, poppy seeds, and lemon zest.
2. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and eggs until light and fluffy.
3. Add the milk and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Cut out 2-inch circles with a biscuit cutter or a glass.
7. Heat the oil in a deep-fryer or large pot to 350°F.
8. Carefully drop the crullers into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Remove the crullers from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
10. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes about 24 crullers
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 140
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Protein: 2 g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter: Salted butter, margarine, or vegetable shortening
- Whole milk: Low-fat or non-fat milk
- Vanilla extract: Almond extract
Variations:
- Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a cinnamon-sugar flavor.
- Substitute orange zest for the lemon zest.
- Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts to the dough.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying the crullers.
- Fry the crullers in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Let the crullers cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
Storage Instructions:
Store cooled crullers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat cooled crullers in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the crullers on a platter with a bowl of powdered sugar for dusting.
- Arrange the crullers on a plate with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream.
Garnishes:
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts
Pairings:
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Tea
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait
- Oatmeal
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the crullers are not cooking evenly, adjust the temperature of the oil.
- If the crullers are too greasy, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying.
Food Safety Advice:
- Use caution when working with hot oil and keep children away from the stove.
- Make sure the crullers are cooked through before serving.
Food History:
Crullers are a type of pastry that has been around since the Middle Ages. They were originally made with a simple dough of flour, eggs, and milk, and fried in lard or butter. Today, crullers are often flavored with spices and fruits, and are usually made with a yeast dough.
Flavor Profiles:
Lemon poppyseed crullers have a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of nuttiness from the poppy seeds.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve crullers for breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Enjoy crullers as a snack with a glass of cold milk.
- Top crullers with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
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