Strasbourg Donuts

Strasbourg Doughnuts: A Fluffy Delicacy for the Holidays

Strasbourg doughnuts are a dessert that brings joy and warmth to every home. This recipe is not just a delicious variant of sweet bread, but also a perfect choice for those moments when you want to sweeten the colder days. With a generous filling and a crunchy meringue topping, these doughnuts are sure to be the stars of the table. Whether you choose to serve them at a gathering with friends or a family celebration, their taste will captivate you instantly.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 18 doughnuts

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 10 g dry yeast
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 3 egg yolks
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- Vanilla extract (to taste)
- A pinch of salt

*For the meringue:*
- 3 egg whites
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground nuts

Preparation:

1. Preparing the yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the dry yeast with one tablespoon of sugar, a little lukewarm milk, and a few tablespoons of flour. Mix well and let it rise for 15-20 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential to activate the yeast, which will give the doughnuts a fluffy texture.

2. Butter cream:
In another bowl, mix the softened butter with the remaining sugar and a pinch of salt. Add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then, incorporate the egg yolks one by one, mixing well after each addition.

3. Forming the dough:
In the bread machine bowl, add the flour followed by the prepared yeast mixture and the butter cream. Use the kneading + rising program. During the kneading, gradually add the rest of the lukewarm milk. The dough should become elastic, soft, and slightly sticky. If it is too dry, you can add a little more milk.

4. Rising the dough:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).

5. Shaping the doughnuts:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into 18 equal balls. On a floured surface, flatten each ball by hand. Add a small piece of chocolate or your preferred filling (jam, nuts, Turkish delight) in the center of each doughnut. Be generous with the filling to ensure each doughnut is full of flavor.

6. Forming the pouches:
Lift the edges of the dough and pinch them together to form a pouch. Place them in a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rise again for 30 minutes in a warm place.

7. Preparing the meringue:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until the meringue becomes glossy and firm. Finally, fold in the ground nuts.

8. Assembling and baking:
After the doughnuts have risen, cover them with meringue and sprinkle ground nuts on top. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the doughnuts for about 30 minutes, or until the meringue is golden and crispy.

9. Serving:
Let the doughnuts cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Useful tips:
- Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature for a more homogeneous dough.
- If you prefer less sweet fillings, you can use cottage cheese or a mix of fruits and seeds.
- The doughnuts can be stored in airtight containers and are delicious the next day, but are best enjoyed fresh.

Nutritional benefits:
These doughnuts contain basic ingredients that provide energy, thanks to the carbohydrates from flour and sugar, as well as healthy fats from butter and nuts. Additionally, the fillings can add vitamins and minerals, depending on your choice.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use 30 g of fresh yeast instead of dry yeast. Make sure to activate it before adding it to the dough.
- What other fillings can I use?
You are free to experiment with various fillings, from chocolate, fruit jams, nuts, to vanilla creams.
- How can I enhance the flavor?
Add cinnamon or citrus zest to the dough for a more aromatic taste.

Strasbourg doughnuts are not just a dessert, but a culinary experience. So, invite your friends or family, prepare these delicious doughnuts, and enjoy moments filled with warmth and flavor!

 Ingredients: * For the dough we need: * 500 g flour * 10 g dry yeast * 5 tablespoons sugar * 100 g butter * 3 egg yolks * 200 ml milk * vanilla essence * For the meringue: * 3 egg whites * 3 tablespoons sugar * 3 tablespoons ground nuts