Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
Special Equipment Needed:
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, milk, sour cream, and vanilla bean seeds.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until a dough forms.
4. Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until it has doubled in size.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/2 inch thickness.
7. Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut out doughnuts and place them on a lightly floured baking sheet.
8. Cover the doughnuts with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F.
10. Carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil, frying them for 1-2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
11. Remove the doughnuts from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to cool.
12. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla bean seeds until a smooth glaze forms.
13. Using a pastry brush, coat the tops of the doughnuts with the glaze.
Time:
Preparation time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Temperature:
Oil temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
Makes 12 doughnuts
Nutritional information:
Calories: 270
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 110mg
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 25g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole milk can be substituted with almond milk or soy milk.
- Sour cream can be substituted with Greek yogurt.
- Active dry yeast can be substituted with instant yeast.
Variations:
- Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a cinnamon-sugar flavor.
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate chip flavor.
- Add 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree to the dough for a pumpkin spice flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying the doughnuts to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the doughnuts from the hot oil to avoid splatters and burns.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it becomes easier to handle.
Storage Instructions:
Store the doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat the doughnuts, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
Arrange the doughnuts on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar for a simple presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish the doughnuts with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate drizzle for a fancier presentation.
Pairings:
Serve the doughnuts with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a classic pairing.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve the doughnuts with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough doesn't rise, make sure the yeast is fresh and the dough is in a warm place.
- If the doughnuts are too greasy, make sure the oil is at the correct temperature and the doughnuts are not overcrowded in the pot.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure the oil is not too hot to avoid burns and fires.
- Use caution when frying the doughnuts to avoid splatters and burns.
Food History:
Fasnacht doughnuts are a traditional German pastry that are typically eaten on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent begins.
Flavor Profiles:
These doughnuts have a sweet and creamy vanilla flavor with a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these doughnuts for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day.
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Taste: Sweet, Vanilla, Sugary, Doughy, Vanilla-Flavored