Paczki’s are deep fried dough filled with a variety of fillings from Plum Jam and fruit filling to custards and bavarian cream. Paczki day is usually the last Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. The reason for this tradition was to use up lard, sugar, eggs and fruit in your house because the consumption was forbidden by Christian fasting practices during the season of lent. This year Fat Tuesday will be celebrated on Tuesday February 25, 2020. In Michigan just about every store carries them and when I operated Flamingo Label I always made it a point to have plenty available in our lunch room on this day. Because Bake Krazy Bakery is seasonal we will not be open at that time but it didn’t stop me from making some at home. If you decide to make your own here is a recipe for you. If not stop by Bake My Day Bakery in Shelby, Michigan at 46715 Van Dyke Ave. or call in your order at 586-842-5457 and Tony would be glad to help you out
1 1/2 cups warm milk (100 -110 degrees)
2 teaspoons dry active yeast
1/2 cup sugar
4 ounces unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 large egg (room temperature)
3 large egg yolks (room temperature)
1 teaspoon brandy
1 teaspoon salt
4 1/2 to 5 cups all purpose flour
Large container of Crisco Shortening
Large can of chopped apple pie filling or fruit of your choosing
1/4 cup sugar for coating
In a small bowl add the warm milk and yeast and whisk well, set aside. In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment add the sugar and butter, then mix until light and fluffy. Add in the egg, egg yolks, salt and brandy, mix well. Slowly add in about 4 1/2 cups of the flour then milk mixture alternating. If the dough is still to sticky add in the additional 1/2 cup flour little at a time until you obtain a nice smooth dough which has pulled away from the sides of the bowl cleanly. Pull the dough and spray the inside of the mixing bowl with vegetable spray, then flip to coat both sides. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and allow to rise (proof) in a warm area (until double in size)
Punch down the dough and place on a lightly floured surface and roll out to 1/2″ thickness. Using a 3″ round cutter cut approximately 18 circles and place onto a lightly floured 1/2 sheet tray. Allow the dough to proof again to about double in size in a warm area. In a large dutch oven or tabletop fryer bring the oil to 350 degrees. Fry them for 2 – 3 minutes on one side then flip and fry for about 1 – 2 minutes on the other side. (make one and test before moving forward to ensure fully cooked). Drain onto paper towel and sugar coat while still warm. When totally cooled use a pastry bag with a filling tip to fill each one with your favorite filling. You can then roll them in sugar
Enjoy
Chef Brian Klauss
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