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Paczki
Paczki are delightful Polish doughnuts, traditionally enjoyed on Fat Tuesday, marking the last indulgence before Lent begins. These fluffy, sweet pastries are filled with a variety of flavorful jams or rich custards and dusted with powdered sugar, making them an irresistible treat. Their history dates back centuries, symbolizing the celebration of indulgence and the joy of community gatherings before the solemn season of Lent.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- 4 cups, plus extra for dusting
- Active dry yeast
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet)
- Sugar
- 1/4 cup, plus extra for the yeast mixture
- Milk
- 1 cup, warmed
- Butter
- 1/4 cup, melted
- Eggs
- 3 large
- Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon
- Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon
- Vegetable oil
- for frying
- Jam or custard
- 1 cup for filling (any flavor you prefer)
- Powdered sugar
- for dusting
Instructions
- In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) and dissolve 1 tablespoon of sugar in it. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, melted butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the yeast mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Slowly add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once all the flour is incorporated, knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, approximately 1-2 hours.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or a glass to cut out circles.
- On half of the circles, place a spoonful of jam or custard in the center. Cover with the remaining circles and seal the edges tightly by pressing them together.
- Let the filled doughnuts rise for another 30 minutes, covered with a cloth.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the doughnuts in batches, a few at a time, until they are golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes).
- Drain the fried doughnuts on paper towels and dust them generously with powdered sugar while they are still warm.
Tips
- For a flavor twist, try adding citrus zest or a dash of nutmeg to the dough.
- You can experiment with different fillings such as chocolate, apple, or even a pastry cream.
- If you prefer a lighter version, try baking the paczki at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes instead of frying.
Dietary Information
Servings: 12 Dish Type: Dessert Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 2 hours Calories: 290 Fat: 15g Carbs: 34g Protein: 4g Sodium: 150mg Sugar: 10g
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