Paczki

You can leave out the brandy/rum, but it helps so the paczkis's are greasy.  I make mine smaller because it's that much less calories.  You can cut this recipe in half very easy.  Use the egg whites to make a yummy Angel Food Cake.

PACZKI

(makes 20-24)

Ingredients:

*15 large egg yolks (250 grams)

*1 cup granulated sugar

*3 large eggs

*5 cups flour (2 1/2 pounds)

*1 1/2 teaspoons salt

*1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast (3/4 ounce)

*1 1/2 cups warm milk (110-115 degrees)

*1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*1 tablespoon brandy or rum (optional)

*3/4 cup butter (180 grams), melted

Directions:

~In a large mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks and granulated sugar together until mixture turns a pale yellow.

~Add in 3 large eggs and whisk until mixed in well.

~Sift flour into large mixing bowl.

~Using the dough hook, stir salt into flour.

~Stir in yeast.

~Pour in warm milk,  vanilla and rum/brandy.

~Slowly add in egg mixture, scrape dough from sides as needed.

~When the flour is mostly mixed in, stir in butter.

~Mix dough for about 10-15 minutes with dough hook (or until dough releases from sides of bowl).

~Scrape the dough out the the bowl and place into a large clean bowl (dough will be sticky).

~Cover and allow to rise for 1 1/2  hours in a warm draft free area.

~Uncover and gently punch dough down and stir with hands for about 5 seconds.

~Cover and allow rise for a half hour.

~Gently punch dough down once more and stir with hands for about 5 seconds.

~Cover and allow to rise for another half hour.

~Sprinkle a little flour over top of dough.

~Cut dough in half and place half of the dough onto a lightly floured surface (keep the other half covered with a clean towel until ready to use).

~Gently roll out dough to about 1/2 inch thick (sprinkle flour on dough if needed).

~Cut out dough with a 2 1/2 -2 3/4 inch biscuit cutter or glass.

~Place onto a floured cookie sheet.

~Cover and allow to rise for 30 minutes.

~While the dough is rising heat your oil in dutch oven, deep skillet or deep fryer to 350 degrees.

~Carefully put dough into hot oil two or three at a time.

~Fry 2-2 1/2 minutes on each side or until they are a golden brown in color.

~Remove from oil and let cool completely on a cooling rack, at least 20 minutes.

~Put favorite jam in a pastry bag.

~Poke hole in donut and fill with jam, a good heaping teaspoon full.

~Sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy.

Helpful Hint:

`If you don't have a pastry bag, take a small knife and make a slit into side of donut. Take a teaspoon with jam and place jam in through slit.

Variations:

-fill with a cream, lemon curd, chocolate filling

-Make small ones for the toddlers. They can help cut them out & fill them too.