Croquignoles Food

CROQUIGNOLES

Steps:

• Combine the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
• In another bowl, beat the eggs until light and frothy.
• Add the sugar and whisk to dissolve.
• Add the butter and vanilla and continue to whisk for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add the flour mixture, about 1 cup at a time, blending together until a stiff dough forms.
• Lightly flour a work surface and sprinkle the dough with a little flour.
• Pat the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.
• Using a pastry wheel or a sharp knife, cut out about 12 diamond-shape pieces.
• Make a slit lengthwise through the center of each diamond.
• Heat the oil to 360ºF. in a deep-fryer or deep saucepan.
• Deep-fry the diamonds, two to three at a time, turning them around with a slotted spoon, until they are golden brown and crisp, about 4 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
• Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

CROQUIGNOLES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, vanilla and lemon peel.
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
• Mix together flour, baking powder, nutmeg and salt.
• Stir dry ingredients into the batter in 3 parts, alternating with the cream in 2 parts.
• The dough will be quite soft, but this results in more tender doughnuts.
• Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours or until firm.
• Divide the dough into 4 parts.
• Work with 1 part at a time, refrigerating the remaining portions to keep them firm.
• On a well floured surface, roll out one portion of dough about 1/4 inch thick.
• Cut strips of dough 3/4 inch wide and 6 inches long.
• Twist each strip 3 times, then join ends by dampening with a drop of water and pinching together firmly.
• Heat about 3 inches of oil to 360 F.
• Fry the croquignoles until golden, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes per side.
• Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
• Repeat the rolling, shaping and frying with the rest of the dough, always keeping any unused dough in the refrigerator to keep it firm.
• Place the doughnuts on a large serving platter or tray and sprinkle icing sugar generously over the tops.
• Serve as fresh as possible.
• Makes about 48 croquignoles.
• Elizabeth Baird's Favourites.