Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special Equipment Needed:
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Large, heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon
- Wire cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Stir in the hazelnuts.
4. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. When ready to fry, heat 2 inches of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F, using a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and drop them into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Remove the kroštule from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on a wire cooling rack to drain.
8. Once cooled, roll the kroštule in the confectioners’ sugar.
Time:
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Temperature: 375°F
Serving Size: Makes about 24 kroštule
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 100
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- For the all-purpose flour, you can substitute whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- For the butter, you can substitute coconut oil or vegan butter.
- For the granulated sugar, you can substitute coconut sugar or maple syrup.
- For the eggs, you can substitute flax eggs or a vegan egg replacer.
- For the hazelnuts, you can substitute almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
Variations:
- For a chocolate version, add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the flour mixture.
- For a spiced version, add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg to the flour mixture.
- For a citrus version, add 1 teaspoon grated lemon or orange zest to the butter mixture.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the kroštule. If the oil is not hot enough, the kroštule will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Fry the kroštule in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Make sure to drain the kroštule on a wire cooling rack to allow the excess oil to drip off.
Storage Instructions:
Store the kroštule in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the kroštule in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the kroštule on a platter with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar.
Garnishes:
Garnish the kroštule with a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Pairings:
Pair the kroštule with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve the kroštule with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.
Troubleshooting Advice:
If the kroštule are too greasy, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the kroštule.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil.
Food History:
Kroštule are a traditional Croatian pastry that are usually served during the holidays.
Flavor Profiles:
The kroštule have a sweet, nutty flavor with hints of vanilla.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the kroštule as a dessert or a snack.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Croatian
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Crunchy, Vanilla, Vanilla-Flavored