Introduction
If you’ve ever been to a fair or carnival, chances are you’ve seen elephant ears being sold. These sweet, crispy pastries are a popular treat enjoyed by people of all ages. While they may look intimidating to make, they are actually quite simple with the right recipe and technique. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making elephant ears at home.
Ingredients
To make elephant ears, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make delicious elephant ears at home:
- Make the Dough
- Knead the Dough
- Roll Out the Dough
- Fry the Elephant Ears
- Coat with Sugar and Cinnamon
- Serve and Enjoy
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. In a separate saucepan, heat the water and butter until the butter is melted. Add the vanilla extract to the water and butter mixture. Slowly pour the liquid mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
Divide the dough into small balls. Roll out each ball into a thin sheet, about 1/8 inch thick.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 375°F. Carefully place the rolled-out dough in the hot oil, frying each side until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove the elephant ears from the oil and drain on paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. While the elephant ears are still warm, sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon mixture over the top of each one, ensuring they are well coated.
Elephant ears are best enjoyed warm and fresh. Serve them to your family and friends as a delicious treat that will surely be a hit!
Tips for Success
Here are some tips to ensure your elephant ears turn out perfect every time:
- Use a thermometer: It’s important to fry the elephant ears at the right temperature to achieve a crispy texture without burning them. A kitchen thermometer can help you monitor the oil temperature.
- Roll out thin: Be sure to roll out the dough thin enough to achieve the signature crispy texture of elephant ears.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the elephant ears in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy pastries.
- Coat while warm: For the sugar-cinnamon mixture to stick to the elephant ears, be sure to coat them while they are still warm from frying.
- Experiment with toppings: While traditional elephant ears are coated in sugar and cinnamon, feel free to get creative with toppings like chocolate sauce, powdered sugar, or fruit preserves.
Conclusion
Making elephant ears at home is a fun and rewarding experience that will delight your taste buds. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy this classic fair treat any time you want. Follow the instructions and tips provided in this article, and you’ll be well on your way to making delicious elephant ears that everyone will love. Happy baking!
