Chrusciki

Posted on Feb 26, 2014 in Cuisine | 8 comments

Chruściki (meaning ‘twigs’), in some parts of Poland called ‘Faworki’ – are one of the pastries that are very popular in pre-Lenten time. As the history goes, they were devised to help use up all those forbidden foods like eggs, fat and sugar, before the Lent period started. In some areas of the US they are known as “angel wings”, correctly suggesting how light and delicate they’re meant to be. The recipe is really simple.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups of flour
4 egg yolks
1 1/2 tablespoons of butter
1 1/2 tablespoons of vodka, whisky or rum
1/2 cup of sour cream

Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
Confectioner’s sugar

Directions:

1. Place flour in medium bowl. Make a well in the center of flour and add egg yolks, sour cream, soft butter and vodka. Stir with spoon until soft dough forms.
2. Place dough on lightly – floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Divide the dough into 3 pieces. Set 2 pieces aside and work with just one.
3. Put the dough (1 of the 3 parts) on a lightly – floured surface. Roll out with lightly floured rolling pin to 1/8-inch-thick rectangle. Cut the rolled dough into thick strips, and then the strips into 2-4″ sections.
4. Make a 1-inch vertical slit down center of each strip. Insert one end of strip through cut to form twist; repeat with remaining strips.



5. Heat oil in a large saucepan until a drop of water sizzles. Place 6 strips at a time into hot oil. Fry for about 1 minute or until golden brown, turning once with slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels.



6. Place 1/3 cup powdered sugar in small brown paper bag. Add few cookies at a time; close bag and shake until cookies are coated with sugar. Repeat with additional sugar and remaining cookies. Cookies are best when served immediately, but can be stored in airtight container for a few days.