Bismarck - German Fried Donuts

Bismarck

(bismarcks can be stuffed with filling - jelly or custard, or simply dusted with powdered sugar)

When I was growing up, my grandmother would always make doughnuts for us siblings. They’re fried then rolled on granulated sugar. They were a bit tougher than the ones we get from Dunkin or Mister Donuts, but definitely fresher and less sweet! And best enjoyed freshly cooked. I used to eat mine dipped in condensed milk! Yum!

Craving for some donuts, I thought I’d make some today! I used a German recipe – a type that is fluffier and more delicate.

In a medium bowl, combine together 1/3 cup butter, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1 cup warm milk. Stir until butter is melted. Add in one package (around one tablespoon) active dry yeast. Stir until mixed Whisk in two eggs, one at a time, and then add one teaspoon salt.
Slowly add in 2 cups all purpose flour and stir until dough comes together. Turn dough to kneading surface. Dough will be sticky. You may add up to one cup flour to make the dough manageable. Knead until smooth and elastic. Put dough into a greased bowl and let rise until doubled in volume, around 1 ½ to 2 hours.

(roll risen dough into a 1/2 inch sheet then cut with a 3 inch cookie cutter)

After rising, punch down dough and roll into ½ inch thickness. Cut into 3 inch rounds with a cookie cutter. Drop dough pieces into a 360° deep fryer and fry until golden brown on both sides. They cook fast – 2 minutes total for both sides.

(bismarcks cook very quickly - turn them over as soon as edges brown. Cooking time can even take less than 2 minutes total for the whole donut!)

(drain bismarcks on a paper towel)

Remove and drain on paper towels. When cooled, centers may be slit and filled with jam or custard. Dust with powdered sugar.

(they can be stuffed with jams or custards. I stuffed mine with a strawberry cream - i basically made a pastry cream with strawberry milk instead of plain cream.)

(dust with powdered sugar before serving)

(bismarcks are lighter and fluffier than the conventional home-made fried donuts.)