Vet Bollen Food

OLD-FASHIONED DUTCH DOUGHNUTS (OLIEBOLLEN)

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon granulated sugar into the water. Sprinkle the yeast on top and allow to stand for 10 minutes (if the yeast doesn't bubble, discard and buy new yeast. The lack of bubbles means the yeast is no longer active).
• Mix together the flour and remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a large bowl, and make a well in the middle. Add the eggs and the yeast mixture to the well.
• Warm up the milk in the microwave just until it is lukewarm. Add half of the milk to the well in the flour, and mix until all the ingredients are combined. Add the rest of the milk, and mix until smooth.
• Cover the bowl with a damp dishtowel and allow to rise in a warm area for about 1 hour. Once the dough has doubled, stir in the salt and let sit while you heat the oil.
• Heat the oil to 350 F in a large, deep pan or in a deep fryer . To check whether the oil is at the right temperature, stand the handle of a wooden spoon in the oil. If little bubbles form around it, the oil is ready.
• Quickly dip 2 tablespoons into the oil and form small balls of the dough with the oiled tablespoons, carefully scraping and dropping the dough into the hot oil. The oliebollen will sink to the bottom of the pan and then pop right back up. You should be able to fry at least 6 at a time, but don't crowd the pan.
• Fry until golden brown on both sides, carefully flipping when required. Drain on a tray lined with paper towels.
• Sieve confectioners' sugar over the oliebollen as well as a dusting of ground cinnamon and serve warm.

VET BOLLEN

Steps:

• Cook potatoes in salted water. Mash and set aside.
• Mix the next seven ingredients well.
• Add to mashed potatoes and blend well.
• Heat your oil for frying. It is ready when a pinch of dough dropped in bubbles and browns quickly.
• If your potatoes were starchy enough, you will be able to scoop up some dough and roll into balls. Make them about walnut size.
• If dough is too loose, drop the dough in using a teaspoon.
• Cook until browned, turning if needed. I suggest testing one ball when browned so you will be able to open it to see if it is done inside.
• Drain the balls and while just warm, roll in powder sugar.
• These are best when eaten warm.

OLIEBOLLEN (DUTCH DOUGHNUTS)

Steps:

• Break up the compressed yeast, and stir into the warm milk. Let stand for a few minutes to dissolve. Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl. Stir the yeast mixture and egg into the flour and mix into a smooth batter. Stir in the currants, raisins and apple. Cover the bowl, and leave the batter in a warm place to rise until double in size. This will take about 1 hour.
• Heat the oil in a deep-fryer, or heavy deep pan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Use 2 metal spoons to shape scoops of dough into balls, and drop them carefully into the hot oil.
• Fry the balls until golden brown, about 8 minutes. The doughnuts should be soft and not greasy. If the oil is not hot enough, the outside will be tough and the insides greasy. Drain finished doughnuts on paper towels and dust with confectioners' sugar. Serve them piled on a dish with more confectioners' sugar dusted over them. Eat them hot if possible.