Funnel cake is a regional delicacy, which is said to have originated in the Pennsylvania Dutch region of the United States. It is a common dessert in this region and is also available in carnivals, fairs and festivals that are held across the country. Even though, the delicacy is known as funnel cake, it is not made through baking.
How to Make Funnel Cakes Easily
As we all know, funnel cakes are not baked, but the batter is fried in hot oil. A special pitcher with a funnel-like spout is used to pour the batter in oil. The batter is poured in circular motions, so that the dish gets its characteristic web-like shape. While, some people do not use leavening agents in the batter, others add baking powder. However, yeast is not normally used. Funnel cakes are served with jam, powdered sugar, fruits and other toppings. Making this dish at home is not a difficult task, if you know the right methods.
Recipe I
This recipe is for those who have very little time to prepare funnel cake. In order to make this recipe, you need pancake batter (ready-made mix can also be used), powdered sugar (for garnishing) and oil for frying. All you have to do is to prepare the pancake batter and fill a cup of that batter in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag. The next step is to seal the bag and make a hole (with a width of one-fourth of an inch) on one corner. Now, squeeze the plastic bag and pour the batter into the hot oil. You must pour the batter in circular motions, so that it forms a round-shaped web in the oil. Once it becomes golden brown in color, turn and fry for another three to four minutes or till the other side turns slightly brownish. Remove and place the funnel cake on paper towels, so that the excess oil gets drained. Serve this dish, after dusting it with powdered confectioner's sugar.
Recipe II
Ingredients
- Flour - one cup
- Eggs - five (large)
- Butter - six tablespoons
- Sugar - one tablespoon
- Salt - two pinches
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for garnishing)
- Water - one cup
Take a saucepan and add water, sugar, salt and butter in it. Boil the contents and add the flour to the solution. Mix it well till all the ingredients combine well and form a ball. Allow it to cool. Once the dough gets completely cool, transfer it to the bowl of a standing mixer. The next step is to run the mixer at the lowest speed. Add eggs to the dough, one by one and run the mixer till the ingredients form a smooth batter. Once the batter is ready, fry it in hot oil. The method of frying this batter is the same, as stated in the above mentioned recipe. After frying, dust them with powdered sugar and serve.
Another method is to sift a cup of flour with a pinch of salt and one-fourth teaspoon baking powder. If you are using self-rising flour, then don't add baking powder. Keep it aside and take another bowl to beat an egg with a cup of milk, along with two tablespoons of sugar. Once done, combine the flour with the egg-milk mixture. Use an electric mixer to blend the batter well, till it turns smooth. Now, all you have to do is to fry the batter to make funnel cake.
Recipe III
Ingredients
- Self-rising flour - 2 cups
- Milk - 1 cup
- Mashed banana - 1 cup
- Eggs - 2
- Sugar - cup
- Ground nutmeg and cardamom - teaspoon each
- Ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
- Oil - for frying
- Powdered sugar - for garnishing
Sift the flour with the spices and keep aside. Puree the mashed banana and blend (in a blender) it well with milk, eggs and sugar. Now, add the sifted flour and combine well to form a smooth batter. Fry the batter and your banana funnel cake is ready.
The above said are some of the easy recipes that can be tried at home. If you want chocolate funnel cake, sprinkle some chocolate shavings over your funnel cake. So, enjoy homemade funnel cake with your favorite topping.
No comments:
Post a Comment