Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 5 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
- 1 tablespoon rum
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable shortening, for deep-frying
- Sifted confectioners' sugar, for sprinkling
Directions
- Melt the butter, and combine with eggs, egg yolks, granulated sugar, salt, extracts, vinegar, rum, and sour cream in a large, heavy mixer. Using the paddle attachment, beat on medium-high until lemon-colored. Add citrus rinds. Gradually add enough flour to produce a fairly stiff dough. Turn out onto a floured board, and knead for 8 to 10 minutes, adding flour if necessary, until the dough blisters, becomes elastic, and can be handled easily. Cut the dough in half, and wrap one half with plastic wrap; reserve at room temperature.
- Roll 1/2 of dough very, very thin and cut into strips about 4 inches long and 1 1/4 inches wide. Cut the ends on a diagonal. Slit each piece in the center, and pull one end through the slit. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and cover with a towel to keep moist. Repeat with other half of dough.
- Heat the shortening in a cast-iron frying pan to 375 degrees, and fry the dough strips, a few at a time, for about 1 minute, until lightly browned, turning once with a long fork or tongs.
- Drain chrusciki on brown paper bags; transfer to a cooling rack and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar. Store, tightly covered, in wax-paper-lined tins.
Cook's Note
This recipe makes an enormous quantity. It can be halved, but don't divide the orange, lemon, and vanilla extracts.
Variations
Recipe uses 1/4 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons salt.
