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Classic Hanukkah Donuts (Sufganiyot)

Classic Hanukkah Donuts (Sufganiyot) What is the best type of jam to use for Hanukkah donuts? The best type of jam is one that has a smooth texture and balanced sweetness. Strawberry, raspberry, and apricot jams are popular choices because they complement the soft, airy dough without overpowering it. The jam should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped into the donuts but not so stiff that it tears the dough. Homemade jam or high-quality store-bought varieties work equally well. Avoid jams with large chunks of fruit, as they can create gaps in the filling. Ensure the jam … Read more

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Desserts

Oatmeal Chocolate Cookies with Flaky Sea Salt

Desserts

Oatmeal Chocolate Cookies with Flaky Sea Salt What makes oatmeal chocolate cookies chewy instead of cakey? Chewiness in oatmeal chocolate cookies comes from a balance of moisture, fat, and sugar structure, and understanding that balance helps control the final texture. Using a higher ratio of brown sugar to white sugar increases moisture retention because brown sugar contains molasses, which naturally draws in and holds water. The use of melted or very soft butter also contributes to a denser, chewier crumb since it blends more completely with the sugars. Oats themselves play a major role because they absorb moisture during baking … Read more

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Desserts

Classic Sfinge Donuts

Desserts, Holidays

Classic Sfinge Donuts What makes sfinge donuts different from regular donuts? Sfinge donuts are distinct from regular donuts due to their light, airy texture and traditional Moroccan preparation. Unlike typical American-style donuts, which often use baking powder or cake dough, sfinge donuts rely on yeast fermentation to create a fluffy interior and slightly chewy bite. The dough is often enriched with a hint of arak or other aromatic spirits, giving sfinge donuts a subtle flavor depth that sets them apart from standard sweet fried pastries. They are typically deep-fried in hot oil and immediately coated in sugar, which ensures a … Read more

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Desserts / Hanukkah / Holidays

Almond Pastry with Berries

Desserts

Almond Pastry with Berries What type of yeast is best for making almond pastry? Both dry yeast and fresh yeast can be used, but each behaves differently. Dry yeast is convenient, shelf-stable, and easy to measure, making it ideal for home bakers who want a reliable rise without extra preparation. Fresh yeast, also called cake yeast, can provide a slightly richer, more complex flavor because of its higher moisture content, but it requires careful storage in the refrigerator and must be measured accurately by weight. Whichever yeast you choose, ensure it is active by proofing in warm liquid before adding … Read more

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Desserts

Berry Mascarpone Cream Donut Sandwiches

Desserts, Holidays

Berry Mascarpone Cream Donut Sandwiches What type of flour is best for making these donut sandwiches? All-purpose flour is the most versatile choice, offering a balance of protein content that provides structure while keeping the donuts soft and tender. Bread flour, which has higher protein, can also be used if a chewier texture is desired, but it may result in slightly denser donuts. Cake flour, with its lower protein content, is generally too soft and can create overly delicate dough that may not hold up during frying. Choosing a high-quality, fresh flour ensures the dough rises evenly and develops a … Read more

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Desserts / Hanukkah / Holidays

How to Make Slutty Brownies

Desserts

How to Make Slutty Brownies What is the best type of chocolate to use when making slutty brownies? The type of chocolate you choose significantly impacts the flavor and texture. For the brownie layer, a high-quality bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate works best, as it provides a deep, rich cocoa flavor that balances the sweetness of the cookie dough and Oreos. Chocolate with at least 60% cocoa is ideal because it melts smoothly and gives the brownies a fudgy, luxurious texture. Using lower-quality chocolate or chocolate chips with stabilizers can affect the melting process and result in a less cohesive brownie … Read more

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Desserts

20-Minute No Yeast Donuts

Desserts, Holidays

20-Minute No Yeast Donuts What makes no yeast donuts rise if there is no yeast in the recipe? No yeast donuts rely on the chemical leavening already built into self-rising flour, which contains baking powder and salt in balanced proportions. When the dough hits hot oil, the baking powder reacts instantly, creating steam and air pockets that expand and make the donuts puff without any rising time. This reaction is similar to the lift you see in pancakes or quick breads, where moisture and heat activate the leaveners rather than fermentation. Because there is no resting period, the structure of … Read more

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Desserts / Hanukkah / Holidays

Berry Cream Filled Donuts with Ruby Chocolate

Desserts, Holidays

Berry Cream Filled Donuts with Ruby Chocolate How do I keep cream filled donuts from deflating after frying? Keeping the donuts from deflating after frying primarily comes down to controlled proofing, steady oil temperature, and careful handling. When the dough over-proofs, the internal air pockets become too fragile, causing the donuts to collapse once they leave the fryer. Proof the shaped dough only until it has doubled, not more. Maintaining the oil at 350°F ensures the exterior sets quickly enough to support the interior structure. If the temperature dips, the donuts soften and deflate; if it climbs too high, the … Read more

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Hanukkah

Challah French Toast Stacks

Breakfast, Desserts

Challah French Toast Stacks What type of challah works best in this recipe? For this challah French toast recipe, the best type is a slightly dense, slightly sweet challah loaf. A fresh challah works well, but slightly stale challah is actually ideal because it holds up better when dipped in the egg and milk batter, preventing the toast from falling apart during frying. Look for challah with a soft interior and a slightly chewy crust. Egg-enriched challah adds richness, which enhances the flavor of the French toast. Avoid overly airy or very fluffy challah, as it may absorb too much … Read more

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Breakfast / Desserts

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