Country Style Doughnuts

Country Doughnuts with Plum Honey and Walnut: A Nostalgic Recipe for the Soul

Late autumn brings with it a special aroma of nostalgia, reminding us of moments spent with loved ones. My grandmother, with her skilled hands, spoiled us with warm, crispy, and fragrant doughnuts, a tradition I can never forget. Whether it was about toothpicks, scovergi, or colăcei with plum honey and walnut, each recipe had a story. This country doughnut recipe, filled with love and passion, deserves to be shared, and today I will show you how to prepare them in the comfort of your home.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total: 75 minutes
Number of servings: 4 servings (about 12 doughnuts)

Ingredients:

- 1 kg of flour
- 1 packet of fresh yeast (25 g)
- 100 ml of milk (at room temperature)
- 75 ml of oil (plus extra for frying)
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Warm water (as needed, about 200 ml)
- Plum jam (NOT marmalade, for an authentic taste)
- Ground walnut (about 200 g, for decoration)

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Yeast:
In a small bowl, add the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the fresh yeast and let it sit for a few minutes to activate. You will notice that the yeast will start to bubble, a sign that it is active and ready to work.

2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast along with the oil. Start mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands, gradually adding warm water until the dough becomes smooth and fluffy.

3. Kneading the Dough:
Once you have a smooth mixture, knead the dough for about 10 minutes. The dough should be elastic and not stick to your hands. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.

4. Rising the Dough:
Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it sit in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, until the dough doubles in size. This is the moment to enjoy the aroma that will spread throughout the house!

5. Shaping the Doughnuts:
After the dough has risen, knead it again for 5 minutes. Then, roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1 cm. Using a glass or a cutter, cut out circles of dough. You can make larger or smaller doughnuts, depending on your preferences.

6. Second Rising:
Place the circles of dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them again with the towel for 5-10 minutes. This second rising will make them fluffier.

7. Frying the Doughnuts:
In a deep pan, heat the oil. Make sure it is hot enough but not smoking (about 180°C). Fry the doughnuts on both sides until golden and crispy. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

8. Glazing:
Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, spread them with plum jam. Then, roll them in ground walnuts for added texture and flavor.

Practical Tips:

- Frying oil: Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower or canola oil, to avoid burning.
- Plum jam: Choose a quality, as natural as possible jam for an authentic taste. It is denser and more aromatic than marmalade, which will give the doughnuts a special note.
- Walnut: If you want a more intense flavor, lightly toast the walnuts before grinding them. This will enhance the aroma and add a nostalgic touch.

Nutritional Benefits:

These country doughnuts are not only delicious but also a good source of carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. Walnuts add omega-3 fatty acids and protein, while plum jam is rich in antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 7 g and mix it with the flour instead of activating it in milk.

How can I turn this recipe into a vegan dessert?
You can replace the milk with a plant-based alternative (e.g., almond milk) and the oil with a vegetable oil.

What drinks go well with the doughnuts?
These doughnuts are wonderful alongside a warm tea or a cappuccino. Also, mulled wine would add a festive touch!

Recipe Variants:

- Stuffed doughnuts: Instead of glazing them with jam, you can fill the doughnuts with jam or chocolate before frying.
- Cinnamon doughnuts: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for an extra flavor.

Country doughnuts with plum honey and walnut are the perfect indulgence, bringing pleasant memories and a warm atmosphere to your home. I hope you enjoy every bite and create your own memories with your loved ones! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 1kg of flour 1 packet of fresh yeast 100 ml of milk 75 ml of oil 3 tablespoons of sugar 1 teaspoon of salt Warm water as for bread (that's what grandma used to say) Oil for baking Plum jam (NOT marmalade) Walnut