New Years Fritters...it's that time!

I just thought I should remind you that the clock is ticking...only a few more days until the year is over. And at my house, we can't celebrate New Year's without having portzelky...

...a little deep-fried tidbit that is ever so yummy! It's a traditional Mennonite food...but our Dutch neighbours make them also (and they are every bit as good!) I'll even post the recipe for you, if you want to give them a try. Since I will be cooking a turkey dinner on New Year's Day this year, and couldn't quite figure out when the portzelky would fit into the time schedule, I've taken the easy route and have my order placed with Mrs. Kooeyman. She is one amazing lady who cooks up thousands of olliebollen (Dutch equivalent of portzelky) every December. My hubby figured out years ago, that he could have the delightful fritters more than once a year, if he stopped by her place on her cooking days.

Portzelky

• 2 tablespoons  / 30 ml yeast

• 2 cups / 500 ml lukewarm milk 

• 1/4 cup / 60 ml butter, melted

• 1/4 cup / 60 ml sugar

• 2 teaspoons / 10 ml salt

• 4 eggs, beaten

• 5 1/2 cups / 1250 ml flour

• 3 cups / 750 ml raisins

1. Prepare yeast as instructed on package. 

2. Combine lukewarm milk, butter, sugar, salt and eggs.

3. Add prepared yeast.

4. Stir in flour gradually. 

5. Add raisins.

6. Cover and let rise until doubled in bulk.

7. Drop by the spoonful (heaping teaspoon) into deep hot fat.  

8. Fry until golden brown, turning once.

9. Remove with  tongs.  Drain on paper towel.

10. Roll in berry sugar or icing sugar while warm.  

*Optional ~ substitute 1 cup chopped apple or chopped dried apricots for 1 cup of the raisins.

 

So that's my recipe if you want to give it a try. As for me, I'll put it away until next year and we will have olliebollen to ring in 2008.

Enjoy the day...I know I will! I have three precious children coming shortly for the last sleepover of 2007!