Chrusciki

Chrusciki Recipe - Traditional Polish Pastry with Fried Perfection

Region / culture: Poland | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 20

Introduction

Chrusciki, also known as angel wings, are a traditional Polish pastry that is popular during holidays and special occasions. These delicate and crispy pastries are deep-fried and dusted with powdered sugar, making them a sweet and indulgent treat.

History

Chrusciki has been a part of Polish cuisine for centuries, with recipes being passed down through generations. These pastries are often made for special occasions such as weddings, Christmas, and Easter. The name "Chrusciki" translates to "angel wings" in English, which is fitting given their light and airy texture.

Ingredients

2 whole eggs
10 egg yolks
1 tbsp melted butter
3 tbsp granulated sugar (or vanilla sugar)
0.5 tsp salt
1 tsp pure orange extract
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp freshly grated fresh lemon rind
1 tsp freshly grated orange rind
3 tbsp cognac
0.5 cup sour cream
4 – 5 cups flour
melted crisco, mixed with lard
powdered sugar

How to prepare

In a bowl, beat the eggs and egg yolks together until they become thick and have a lemon color.
Add the melted butter, sugar, salt, extracts, citrus rinds, cognac, and sour cream to the bowl. Beat the mixture until it becomes creamy and smooth.
Gradually add enough flour to the bowl, while continuously mixing, until a thick and fairly stiff dough is formed.
Transfer the dough onto a floured board and knead it for 8 – 10 minutes, until it becomes elastic and easy to handle.
Roll out pieces of the dough until they are 0.13 inch thin, ensuring that they are transparent.
Cut the rolled-out dough into strips that are approximately 3 inches long and 2 inches wide.
Diagonally cut the ends of each strip.
Make a slit in the center of each strip and pull one end through the slit.
Heat the Crisco and lard in a pan to a temperature of 375°F (191°C). Fry the dough strips in the hot oil until they become lightly browned, which should take about 1 minute. Drain the fried strips on paper towels and sprinkle them with powdered sugar.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the powdered sugar for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the Chrusciki for a decadent twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roll out the dough thin enough to achieve the crispy texture of Chrusciki.

- Be careful not to overcook the pastries, as they can quickly become too dark and lose their delicate flavor.

- Dust the Chrusciki with powdered sugar while they are still warm to ensure it sticks to the pastry.

Serving Suggestions

Chrusciki can be served as a dessert on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-fry the Chrusciki in hot oil to achieve a crispy texture.

- Dust the pastries with powdered sugar while they are still warm to ensure it sticks.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the cognac with rum or brandy for a different flavor.

- Use orange juice instead of orange extract for a milder citrus flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Chrusciki can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Chrusciki on a platter and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Chrusciki pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a sweet and satisfying treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Chrusciki in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to crisp them up again.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chrusciki contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chrusciki contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chrusciki contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chrusciki contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chrusciki are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Chrusciki contain eggs, butter, and flour, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chrusciki are a sweet and indulgent treat that are best enjoyed in moderation due to their high fat and calorie content.

Summary

Chrusciki are a traditional Polish pastry that are light, crispy, and sweet. These delicate pastries are perfect for special occasions and holidays, and are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Chrusciki. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Anna in her quaint little village in Poland. As soon as I stepped into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most tantalizing aroma of freshly baked pastries. Anna was busy at work, kneading dough and shaping it into delicate twists and turns.

I watched in awe as she expertly fried the pastries to a golden perfection and then dusted them with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, Anna handed me a freshly made Chrusciki and said, "Try it, my dear. It's a family recipe passed down through generations."

I took a bite of the crispy, flaky pastry and my taste buds exploded with delight. The Chrusciki was light as air, with a hint of sweetness that melted in my mouth. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this delectable treat.

Anna took me under her wing and taught me the art of making Chrusciki. She showed me the importance of using quality ingredients, like fresh eggs, butter, and flour. She also shared her secret tips and tricks, like chilling the dough before rolling it out and frying the pastries at just the right temperature to achieve that perfect golden hue.

As we worked side by side in the kitchen, Anna shared stories of her own grandmother, who was a master baker in the village. She told me how her grandmother would wake up before dawn to start baking, filling the house with the irresistible scent of freshly baked goods. Anna's eyes would light up with nostalgia as she reminisced about the days spent watching her grandmother work her magic in the kitchen.

I found myself captivated by Anna's stories and the rich history behind the Chrusciki recipe. I felt a deep connection to the past, to the generations of women who had lovingly made this pastry before me. It was a tradition that had been passed down through time, preserving a piece of our heritage in each delicate bite.

After a few hours of kneading, rolling, and frying, our Chrusciki were finally ready. They glistened in the sunlight, a testament to our hard work and dedication. Anna and I sat down at the kitchen table, savoring each bite and relishing in the joy of our creation.

From that day on, Chrusciki became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make them for special occasions, like holidays and family gatherings, sharing the recipe with anyone who expressed an interest. Each time I made a batch of Chrusciki, I felt a connection to my dear friend Anna and the generations of women who had come before me.

As the years passed, I continued to perfect my Chrusciki recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own taste. I added a dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor and experimented with different shapes and sizes. But no matter how many variations I tried, the essence of the recipe remained the same – a labor of love that brought joy to all who tasted it.

Now, as I pass down the Chrusciki recipe to my own grandchildren, I feel a sense of pride and fulfillment. I am honored to carry on the tradition of my dear friend Anna and her grandmother, keeping alive a piece of our heritage for future generations to enjoy. And as I watch my grandchildren knead, roll, and fry the pastries with eager hands, I know that the legacy of the Chrusciki recipe will continue to thrive, connecting us to our past and nourishing our souls for years to come.