Pączki, the delectable Polish pastries, are akin to doughnuts but possess a unique charm of their own. These deep-fried delights, generously filled with luscious cream or sweet jelly, can be glazed or dusted with powdered sugar. Traditionally savored on Pączki Day in Poland, also known as Fat Tuesday, they serve as a delightful rebellion against the fasting practices of Lent. Beyond Poland’s borders, cities in the United States with sizable Polish communities, such as Buffalo, Detroit, and Chicago, join in the celebration. Hamtramck, Michigan even hosts an annual Pączki Day parade!
How can you celebrate Pączki Day in your own kitchen? We’ve got a splendid recipe that unravels the secrets behind these mouthwatering treats. One intriguing twist is the inclusion of grain alcohol in the batter, rumored to reduce oil absorption during frying. In this rendition, we’ll show you how to fill your Pączki with a sumptuous custard filling. However, if you’re more inclined toward fruity flavors, you can swap the custard for 1 1/2 cups of your favorite preserves. Read on for the tantalizing details.
Ingredients:
For the Pączki:
- 1 1/2 cups plus an additional 1/4 cup of flour, divided
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of yeast (instant or regular)
- 2/3 cup of milk, warmed to 120°F for instant yeast or 110°F for regular yeast
- 3 tablespoons of canola oil
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
- 1 teaspoon of Bacardi 151 or a higher proof alcohol liquor
- 2 quarts of canola oil for frying
- 1 tablespoon of melted butter
- 1/3 cup of sugar for coating
For the Custard Filling:
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 egg yolk
Directions:
- In a spacious bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Incorporate the warmed milk, followed by 3 tablespoons of canola oil, egg yolks, vanilla, and liquor.
- Utilize an electric mixer to whip the mixture on high speed for 2 minutes. Add extra flour (up to 1/4 cup) until the dough achieves a cohesive consistency.
- Transfer the dough to a floured work surface, kneading it 50 times. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- While the dough is resting, prepare the custard filling. In a saucepan, blend 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Gradually incorporate milk and egg yolk, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a boil, continuing to stir, and cook for about a minute until it thickens (it will thicken further as it cools). Allow it to cool thoroughly.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the dough has finished resting, place it back on a floured surface and roll it into a 1/2″ thick disk. Cut out circles using a 2 1/2″ round cutter dipped in flour. Re-roll the scraps and cut out more circles.
- Position the cut rounds on the baking sheet and cover them with a towel, letting them rise at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Pour canola oil into a large Dutch oven and heat it to 360°F. Using a heat-resistant spatula or a shallow strainer, carefully place the dough into the oil, one at a time, cooking a maximum of 3 at once. Fry the doughnuts until they turn a deep brown on one side, then flip them and cook the other side until it reaches a similar hue. Remove the dough from the oil and place them on a wire rack to let excess oil drain while they cool. Test the first dough round to ensure the interior is fully cooked and adjust the cooking time as needed. Repeat with the remaining dough rounds.
- Equip a pastry bag with a long, slender tip and fill it with the custard from the refrigerator. Pipe the filling into the dough rounds. Brush both sides of the rounds with melted butter, then dip them in the 1/3 cup of sugar for a delightful coating.
- Serve your Pączki immediately and savor every delectable bite!
Conclusion:
With this recipe, you can celebrate Pączki Day by creating your very own mouthwatering, custard-filled Pączki. The rich, creamy filling encased in a golden, crispy shell will transport your taste buds to a world of indulgence. Whether you enjoy them on Fat Tuesday or any day of the year, these Pączki are a delightful treat you’ll want to savor again and again.
SOURCE OF THE PICTURE : 99 easy recipes
