Doughnuts and lies

Doughnuts and Twists - A Childhood Delight

Doughnuts and twists are two of the most beloved sweets that bring back happy memories from childhood. These crispy, fluffy treats with an irresistible taste are perfect for a quick dessert, celebrations, or simply to bring a smile to the faces of loved ones. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve the most delicious doughnuts and twists, and at the end, I will offer you some suggestions to personalize them.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rest time: 30 minutes
Frying time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6 servings

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg of flour (preferably type 550, for a finer texture)
- 3 egg yolks (fresh, from free-range hens)
- 100 ml of oil (sunflower or canola, for a neutral taste)
- 800 ml of milk (warm, to activate the yeast)
- 3 tablespoons of sugar (for sweetness and to help activate the yeast)
- a pinch of salt (to balance the flavor)
- 50 g of fresh yeast (or 25 g of dry yeast)
- rum essence (about 1 teaspoon, for a subtle aroma)
- oil for frying (enough to cover the doughnuts and twists)
- chocolate (optional, for glazing)
- powdered sugar (for decoration)
- jam (your favorite, for serving)

Preparation:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the 50 g of yeast in 100 ml of warm milk, adding one tablespoon of sugar from the total amount. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This is an important step, as active yeast will make the doughnuts fluffy and airy.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift 1 kg of flour. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the egg yolks, oil, the remaining sugar, and the activated yeast mixture. Gradually add the remaining 700 ml of warm milk, mixing with a spatula or your hands until the ingredients combine.

3. Kneading the dough: On a clean surface dusted with a little flour, knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. If it is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it to avoid tough doughnuts.

4. Resting the dough: Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rest in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until it doubles in volume.

5. Shaping the doughnuts: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1-2 cm. Use a glass or cutter to cut out the doughnuts. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes.

6. Preparing the twists: While the doughnuts are rising, take the other part of the dough and roll it into a thin sheet. Using a pastry wheel or knife, cut wide strips in a diamond shape. In the middle of each strip, make a small cut and pass one corner through that cut, forming the twists.

7. Frying: In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat (about 170-180°C). Check the temperature by adding a small piece of dough - if it sizzles, the oil is ready. Fry the doughnuts on both sides until golden and crispy, then remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

8. Serving: The doughnuts and twists are served warm, dusted with sugar or glazed with melted chocolate. You can also add jam on top or on the side for extra flavor.

Useful tips:

- Choose quality ingredients, as they will influence the final taste of the doughnuts and twists.
- If you want a healthier version, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour or use plant-based milk.
- Experiment with various flavors, such as vanilla extract or citrus zest, to add extra aroma to your doughnuts.

Nutritional information (per serving, estimated):

- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to use about 25 g.

2. How can I keep the doughnuts and twists fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. You can reheat them gently in the oven to restore their crispiness.

3. Can I freeze the doughnuts?
Yes, un-fried doughnuts can be frozen. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. When you want to prepare them, let them thaw at room temperature, then fry them.

These doughnuts and twists are not only a delicious dessert but also a perfect way to gather the family around the table, sharing moments of joy and beautiful memories. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by the aroma and flavor of these treats. You may even discover your favorite family recipe to pass down!