Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Special equipment needed:
- Rolling pin
- Fattigmann cutter or cookie cutter
- Deep fryer or large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs, one at a time, and beat until well combined.
3. Stir in the orange juice and zest.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth.
7. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
8. Use a fattigmann cutter or cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the dough.
9. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F.
10. Fry the fattigmann in batches until golden brown, flipping once, about 1-2 minutes per side.
11. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried fattigmann to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
12. Dust the fattigmann with powdered sugar before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Frying temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- Makes about 24 fattigmann
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Orange juice and zest can be substituted with lemon juice and zest.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of ground cardamom to the dough for a Scandinavian twist.
- Dip the fried fattigmann in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure the fattigmann cook evenly and don't absorb too much oil.
- Don't overcrowd the fryer or pot to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
- Dust the fattigmann with powdered sugar while they're still warm for the best results.
Storage instructions:
- Store the cooled fattigmann in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the fattigmann in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the fattigmann on a platter and dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve the fattigmann with a side of whipped cream or fruit compote.
Garnishes:
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate sauce
Pairings:
- Coffee
- Hot cocoa
- Tea
Suggested side dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Cheese plate
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of orange juice at a time until the dough comes together.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough is smooth and easy to work with.
- If the fattigmann are too greasy, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and drain excess oil on paper towels.
Food safety advice:
- Use caution when working with hot oil to avoid burns.
- Make sure the fattigmann are cooked through before serving.
Food history:
- Fattigmann, also known as "poor man's cookies," are a traditional Norwegian Christmas cookie that dates back to the 1700s.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet
- Citrusy
- Crispy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert or snack during the holiday season.
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Region: Norwegian