Khvorost - Russian Fried Pastrys

A cross between a biscuit and a crisp donut, very decorative if you can understand my instructions. These are often introduced as part of a Russian feast or simply served with a strong coffee.

Preparation time: 30 minutes   Quantity: Makes around 30   Cooking time: 2 - 3 minutes in batches

Ingredients

1 egg - large
30g / 1 oz butter
150 ml any milk
200g plain flour
pinch salt
oil to deep fry
100g / 4 oz icing sugar to dust

Method

  • Beat the eggs and sugar, till pale, smooth and frothy
  • Whisk in the milk
  • Sift the flour and salt in to the bowl
  • Mix to form a dough
  • Roll out on to a floured board, the thickness of pastry for a tart
  • Cut in to finger sized strips approx. 8 - 12 cm long, 4 -5 cm wide
  • Make an insertion in the middle of each one, so it resembles the back of a letter box
  • Like a tie, fold one end through the middle and pull out to form a 3D, bow like shape
  • Deep fry in hot oil till golden on both sides
  • Shake out the excess oil and turn out on to
  • kitchen towel, till cooled a little
  • Sieve on some icing sugar and serve warm