Lunch: Doughnut Twists

In the story of Hanukkah, a lamp containing a tiny amount of oil burned, miraculously, for eight days. But these doughnuts — perfectly crisped in oil and coated in sugar — won't last long at all. Served with a silken chocolate-brandy sauce for dipping and

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Cinnamon

Health benefits of Doughnut Twists

Cinnamon is one of the best ingredients that someone with insulin sensitivity can eat. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day has been shown to be very effective at normalizing blood sugar levels. Cinnamon contains hydroxychalcone, which is thought to enhance the effects of insulin. It has also been suggested that Cinnamon prevents post-meal blood sugar spikes by slowing the gastric emptying rate - meaning that food digests slowly. (Reference: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11506060).

Ingredients

1 tbsp. active dry yeast
3/4 c. whole milk or soy milk
3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. packed light-brown sugar
1/4 c. granulated sugar
2 tbsp. pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 tsp. Coarse salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
4 oz. unsalted butter or nondairy margarine
2 c. superfine sugar
6 large egg yolks
Safflower oil, for deep-frying (about 8 cups)
Chocolate-Brandy Sauce, optional

Instructions

Place yeast in the bowl of a mixer. Pour milk over yeast; stir to combine. Let stand until foamy, about 2 minutes. Add 2 3/4 cups flour to bowl without stirring. Cover tightly with plastic, and let stand in a warm place until surface is cracking, about 45 minutes.
Whisk together cup flour, the yolks, brown and granulated sugars, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon.
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until dark brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat. Pour browned butter (with browned bits) over yolk mixture; whisk to combine.
Add yolk-butter mixture to yeast mixture. Beat with a mixer on medium-low speed until just combined. Add remaining 1/2 cup flour. Beat on medium-high speed until combined, about 2 minutes (dough will be sticky). Transfer to an oiled bowl; cover. Let stand in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 2 hours. Turn out dough onto a floured surface, and knead for 2 minutes. Return dough to bowl. Let stand until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes more.
Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll out dough into a 10-by-25-inch rectangle. Cut crosswise into twenty 1/2-inch-thick strips. Bring ends of 1 strip together, twist, and pinch ends to seal. Place on a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining strips. Let stand for 15 minutes.
Heat 2 to 3 inches oil in a heavy 5-quart saucepan until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees F. Working in batches, fry doughnuts, turning occasionally, until browned, about 2 minutes. (Adjust heat as necessary to maintain oil temperature.) Transfer doughnuts to paper-towel-lined plates to drain; let cool slightly. Toss doughnuts in superfine sugar. Serve with chocolate-brandy sauce if desired. Looking for more dessert ideas? Check out our homemade chocolate chip cookie recipes, apple pie recipes, and chocolate cake recipes.