Gogogsi half-moon with chocolate glaze

Half-moon doughnuts with chocolate glaze - An Irresistible Delicacy

Half-moon doughnuts are a classic dessert, loved by all who appreciate fluffy and aromatic sweets. With a soft texture and a decadent chocolate glaze, these doughnuts are perfect for any occasion, from gatherings with friends to family celebrations. Let's embark together on this simple yet delicious recipe.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Number of servings: 20 doughnuts

Ingredients:

- For the dough:
- 1 kg of flour
- 2 packets of dry yeast (14 g)
- 2 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 500 ml milk
- 120 ml oil
- Zest of one orange
- Zest of half a lemon
- A pinch of salt

- For frying:
- Oil (enough for frying)

- For serving:
- Powdered sugar (optional)
- Jam (optional)

- For the chocolate glaze:
- 100 g chocolate
- 1-2 teaspoons butter

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Ensure the yeast is fresh, as this will affect the texture of your doughnuts. Find a large bowl to mix the flour and other ingredients.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients:
In the large bowl, combine the flour with sugar, vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, and the zest of the orange and lemon. These flavors will give the doughnuts a unique taste and unmistakable aroma.

3. Activating the yeast:
In a cup, pour 100 ml of warm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and add the dry yeast along with a teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until you see bubbles on the surface. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to use.

4. Preparing the dough:
After the yeast has risen, add it to the bowl with flour. Add the eggs, the rest of the warm milk, and the oil. Use your hands to knead the dough, adding a bit of flour if necessary, until you obtain a homogeneous dough that no longer sticks to your hands. This is the moment when you can feel the magic of cooking - the dough becomes softer and more elastic.

5. Rising the dough:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and leave it in a warm place, away from drafts, for about an hour. This step is crucial as the yeast will make the dough rise and become fluffy.

6. Shaping the doughnuts:
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface. Roll out a sheet of dough about 1 cm thick. Use a round cutter (or a large cup) to cut out circles. If you wish, you can make some doughnuts with a hole in the middle using a smaller cutter to cut out the center. Place the cut doughnuts on a board and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

7. Frying the doughnuts:
In a deep pot, add the oil (about 500 ml, but you can use more depending on the size of the pot). Heat the oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot enough, carefully add the doughnuts. Let them brown on one side, then flip them to the other side. The doughnuts are ready when they turn golden and crispy. Use a spatula to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

8. Glazing the doughnuts:
To prepare the chocolate glaze, melt the chocolate together with the butter in a bowl over a water bath or in the microwave. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Meanwhile, you can prepare the doughnuts for glazing. Once they have cooled slightly, dip each doughnut in the melted chocolate or use a spoon to pour it over.

9. Serving the doughnuts:
Half-moon doughnuts can be served plain or dusted with powdered sugar. You can also add a teaspoon of jam inside or fill them with your favorite cream. They are perfect alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or fruit tea.

Practical tips:

- Ingredient variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You can also use brown sugar for a more intense taste.
- Oil care: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before adding the doughnuts. If the oil is too cold, the doughnuts will become soggy, and if it is too hot, they will burn.
- Fluffy doughnuts: Rising is the key to obtaining fluffy doughnuts. Do not skip this step, even if you are in a hurry.

Nutritional benefits:
These half-moon doughnuts are a source of carbohydrates but should be consumed in moderation, especially due to their sugar and oil content. However, homemade, with quality ingredients, they can be a healthier choice than commercial options.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute part of the white flour with whole wheat flour to add fiber. The doughnuts will have a slightly different texture but will be just as tasty.

2. What can I do with leftover doughnuts?
If you have leftover doughnuts, you can store them in the fridge in an airtight container. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave to bring them back to life.

3. Can I freeze the doughnuts?
Yes, the doughnuts can be frozen. Make sure they are completely cooled, then you can place them in a freezer bag. When you want to consume them, let them thaw at room temperature.

These half-moon doughnuts with chocolate glaze are an excellent choice to add a touch of sweetness to your life. By experimenting with flavors and ingredients, you can create a unique, personalized version of this classic recipe. Enjoy!