Cruschiki Pigs Ears Fritters Recipes

KRUSCHICKI

Steps:

• Heat oil in deep-fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• In a large bowl, beat together the egg yolks, sour cream, white sugar, vanilla and whiskey until smooth. Stir in flour until dough is stiff enough to knead. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth. Knead in additional flour if necessary. Divide dough into 3 or 4 pieces and roll each ball on floured surface. Cut into strips about 3 inches long then make a slit long ways down the middle. Pull one of the ends through like a bow.
• Place into hot oil and deep fry until golden brown. Let drain on paper towels and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

CRUSCHIKI: PIG'S EARS FRITTERS

Steps:

• Beat the yolks with the sour cream thoroughly. Add the powdered sugar, alcohol, almond extract, and vanilla and continue mixing. Gradually add the flour and salt holding back 1/2 cup, and stir until blended. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead at least 15 minutes using the remaining flour to dust the work surface. Or make this in the mixer with a dough hook and let it do the work for you - beat with the dough hook on medium speed for 6 minutes or until very smooth.
• Divide the dough into 2 pieces and let rest 10 minutes, covered with a barely damp cloth. With a rolling pin, roll each piece very thinly, about 1/16-inch thick. Cut rolled out dough into 1 1/2-inch wide strips and then cut diagonally 1 1/2-inches long to make diamonds.
• In the center of each piece cut a 1/2-inch slit (she said "gash") and pull one point through the slit to form what looks a bit like a pig's ear. After they are all shaped, heat some oil for deep-frying in a skillet, and fry until golden brown on both sides. Drain on heavy brown paper (grocery bag). Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

KHRUSTYKY

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat the eggs, egg yolks, cream and vanilla. Beat in sugar. Combine flour and salt; stir into the egg mixture just until smooth (dough will be soft). Divide into 4 portions. , On a well-floured surface, roll out 1 portion to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut into 1-1/2-in. strips; cut strips diagonally into 3 pieces. Cut a 1-1/2-in. slit lengthwise into the center of each piece; pull 1 end of strip through slit to make a loop. Cover shaped pieces while rolling out and cutting the remaining dough., In a deep cast-iron or electric skillet, heat 2-3 in. of oil to 375°. Fry pastries, in batches, until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

POLISH CHRUSCIKI OR KRULLERS

Steps:

• 1. Beat egg yolks and salt until thick & lemon colored. Add sugar and beat well. Add sour cream, and flour.
• 2. Turn out the dough in a well floured pastry cloth or counter and knead until dough is satiny and doesn't stick to your hands. Divide into 3 sections. Roll each section about 1/8th in. Thick. Then cut into strips 2" wide. Cut a vertical slit in center, about 2" wide, of each piece and pull one end through the slit to form a bow tie shape.
• 3. Heat Crisco oil in deep fryer or fry pan to medium heat about 375 degrees. Fry a few at a time and when lightly browned remove to brown paper bags or paper towels to drain any oil on them.
• 4. Sprinkle with powder sugar when cooled. Enjoy.

CHRUSCIKI I

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks, egg, sugar, salt, vanilla, and whiskey. Stir in 2 cups of the flour. If dough is sticky, add the rest of the flour. Knead dough for 5 minutes; divide into three parts. Keep dough pieces covered with plastic wrap until ready to use.
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Or, alternately, melt 2 pounds lard(see Editor's Note). Oil should be about 1 inch deep.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out one piece of the dough until it's paper-thin. Cut into parallelogram (long diamond) shapes, and use a sharp paring knife to cut a slot in the centers. Pull one point of the diamond through the slot; set aside and repeat with remaining pieces.
• Fry 2 to 4 pieces at a time, depending on the size of your pan, about 5 to 10 seconds on each side. The cookies should not be browned. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels; dust with confectioners' sugar when cool. Store any remaining cookies in an airtight container.

FAWORKI (POLISH CHRUSCIKI)

Steps:

• Combine flour, egg yolks, sour cream, sugar, butter, rum, and salt in a large bowl; mix to form a dough.
• Knead dough lightly and roll out on a floured surface. Cut into strips 4 inches long and 3/4 inches wide. Cut a slit in the middle of each strip. Twist and pull one end through the slit.
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan. Test the temperature by dropping in a pastry twist; the oil is ready when it browns and float to the surface.
• Fry pastry twists in batches until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Dust with confectioners' sugar.