Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup lard
- 1/4 cup warm milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup pitted and chopped plums
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Special equipment needed:
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Rolling pin
- Pastry cutter or knife
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and ginger.
2. Add the butter and lard to the bowl and use a pastry cutter or knife to cut them into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the warm milk and egg.
4. Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes.
6. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
7. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and use a pastry cutter or knife to cut it into 2-inch squares.
8. Place a small spoonful of chopped plums in the center of each square.
9. Fold the corners of the square up and over the plums to form a ball, pinching the edges together to seal.
10. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F.
11. Fry the balls in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
12. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
13. Dust the balls with powdered sugar before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Frying temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
Makes 20-24 Magdeburger Schmalzkuchen mit Pflaumen
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 160
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 40mg
Sugar: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute vegetable shortening for lard.
- You can use any other fruit filling, such as apples or cherries, instead of plums.
Variations:
- You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or lemon zest to the dough for extra flavor.
- You can sprinkle the balls with cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to ensure even cooking.
- Don't overfill the balls with filling or they may burst during frying.
- Use a slotted spoon to gently turn the balls while frying to prevent them from breaking apart.
Storage instructions:
Magdeburger Schmalzkuchen mit Pflaumen can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the balls on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Magdeburger Schmalzkuchen mit Pflaumen on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of mint.
Garnishes:
Garnish with whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
Pairings:
Serve with a cup of coffee or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
These sweet treats are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with fresh fruit or a side of yogurt for a balanced breakfast or snack.
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 balls are not holding their shape during frying, try chilling them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before frying.
Food safety advice:
- Use caution when frying with hot oil.
- Always wash your hands and work surfaces before and after handling raw dough.
Food history:
Magdeburger Schmalzkuchen mit Pflaumen is a traditional German pastry from the city of Magdeburg, which is located in the eastern part of Germany. The pastry is made with a rich dough that is filled with plums and fried until golden brown.
Flavor profiles:
Magdeburger Schmalzkuchen mit Pflaumen is a sweet and slightly tangy pastry with a crispy exterior and a soft, doughy interior. The plums add a fruity, tart flavor that balances out the richness of the dough.
Serving suggestions:
Serve Magdeburger Schmalzkuchen mit Pflaumen as a breakfast pastry or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea.
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Region: German