Fartons (fluffy sticks)

Fartons: Fluffy sticks, a delicacy that combines a soft texture with the perfect sweetness, are an excellent choice for any time of the day. These traditional treats are ideal for enjoying at breakfast, as a snack, or even as dessert. Their preparation is simple and satisfying, and the final result will delight both young and old.

Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Rising time: 40 minutes (split into 30 + 10 minutes)
- Baking time: 15 minutes
- Total: 75 minutes
- Number of servings: 30 sticks

Ingredients:
- 600 grams of wheat flour (choose a good quality flour for the best results)
- 50 grams of fresh yeast (must be fresh for a fluffy dough)
- 200 ml of lukewarm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 100 ml of sunflower oil (or another vegetable oil, if preferred)
- 100 grams of sugar (to add sweetness and feed the yeast)
- 2 eggs (at room temperature, to allow the dough to rise evenly)
- ½ teaspoon of salt (make sure to put it on the edge of the bowl, not directly on the yeast)
- For the glaze:
- 100 grams of powdered sugar (for a sweet finish)
- Hot water (enough to thicken the glaze)

Step by step: Preparing Fartons

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. After that, I recommend weighing and measuring everything in advance to facilitate the preparation process.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center. Here, add the eggs, yeast dissolved in lukewarm water, sugar, and salt. Remember, the salt should be placed on the edge of the bowl, not directly on the yeast, to avoid affecting its activity.

3. Kneading the dough: Using a spatula or your hands, mix the ingredients until a mass forms. Then, start kneading the dough, gradually adding the oil. Continue kneading for about 10 minutes until you achieve an elastic and smooth dough.

4. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. The dough will grow and become fluffy.

5. Shaping the sticks: After the dough has risen, take it and break it into 30 equal pieces. Let them rest for another 10 minutes on a lightly floured surface.

6. Shaping the sticks: Use a rolling pin to roll out each piece of dough into a thin sheet. Then, roll each sheet tightly to form sticks.

7. Second rise: Place the sticks on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for an hour until they double in size.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the sticks for about 15 minutes or until golden.

9. Glazing: Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with a little hot water until you achieve a creamy consistency.

10. Finishing: Once baked, remove the sticks from the oven and brush them with the prepared glaze. Let them cool slightly and then dust with a mixture of powdered sugar and vanilla sugar for an extra flavor.

Serving suggestions:
Fartons are delicious served warm, alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can also enjoy them with a layer of fruit jam, or even with chocolate sauce, for a sweet and decadent experience.

Possible variations:
- Citrus flavor: You can add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a vibrant taste.
- Different glazes: Instead of a simple glaze, you can add a chocolate or caramel glaze to turn Fartons into a special dessert.
- Add-ins: Incorporate chopped nuts or chocolate into the dough to create sticks with a surprising interior.

Nutritional benefits:
Fartons are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy. The eggs add protein and healthy fats, while sunflower oil contains essential fatty acids. Although they are sweet, you can control the amount of added sugar, adapting the recipe to your preferences.

Frequently asked questions:
1. How can I tell if the yeast is active?
Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water with a little sugar. If it forms foam in a few minutes, it is active.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but you will need more water as this flour absorbs more moisture.

3. How can I keep Fartons fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be consumed the next day, but they are most delicious when fresh.

Fartons are more than just a recipe; they are a bridge between tradition and modernity, bringing joy in every bite. I invite you to try them and enjoy every step of this culinary process! Bon appétit!