Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flakes
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Deep fryer or large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and ricotta cheese until smooth.
3. Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
4. Fold in the almond flakes.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F.
6. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop the batter into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
7. Fry the sfinge until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
8. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sfinge from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 6-8 minutes
Temperature:
Oil temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
Makes approximately 12 sfinge
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 6g
Saturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 80mg
Total carbohydrates: 13g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 4g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole milk ricotta cheese can be substituted with part-skim ricotta cheese or cream cheese.
- Almond flakes can be substituted with chopped walnuts or pecans.
Variations:
- Add lemon zest or orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
- Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the sfinge for extra sweetness.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the sfinge to ensure they cook evenly and don't absorb too much oil.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to ensure the sfinge are uniform in size.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when frying the sfinge to prevent them from sticking together.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover sfinge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat leftover sfinge in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the sfinge on a platter and dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish the sfinge with fresh berries or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor and color.
Pairings:
Pair the sfinge with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious breakfast or snack.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the sfinge with fresh fruit or a side of yogurt for a balanced breakfast or snack.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sfinge are too dense, try adding a little more milk to the batter.
- If the sfinge are too greasy, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and don't overcrowd the pot.
Food safety advice:
- Use caution when working with hot oil to prevent burns.
- Make sure the sfinge are cooked through before serving to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
Sfinge are a traditional Italian pastry that originated in Sicily. They are typically served during the feast of St. Joseph on March 19th.
Flavor profiles:
The sfinge are sweet and nutty with a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the sfinge as a sweet breakfast or snack, or as a dessert after a meal.
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Region: Italian