Viareggio Fritters with Orange Aroma and Vin Santo
Carnival rags are one of the many variations of Carnival chiacchiere. In this case, the recipe is borrowed from the tradition of Tuscan cuisine.
Ingredients
- 500 gr 00 flour
- 80 gr granulated sugar
- 40 gr butter
- 3 nr eggs
- 1 nr orange juice
- 1 scorza orange grated
- 5 tablespoons Vin Santo
- 1 packet vanillin
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- confectioners' sugar for dusting
- peanut oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix the flour blended with sugar, baking soda, eggs, melted butter in a double boiler or microwave, orange zest and juice, and Vin Santo.
- Obtain a elastic, smooth dough that does not stick to the hands (sprinkle with a little flour if needed).
- Form a ball, cover with a light dusting of flour and wrap in a cloth or cling film (I prefer covering it with a transparent glass bowl inverted on the work surface to keep an eye on the remaining amount while rolling it out) and let rest for 30 minutes in a warm place. Meanwhile, prepare the frying pan filled with peanut oil.
- After resting, briefly knead the dough and roll it out with a rolling pin or pasta machine into the thinnest sheet possible, so that the frying will be very light and crispy later.
- To prevent sticking to the machine or rolling pin, dust with a little flour if necessary, but avoid excess on the final sheet to prevent burning during frying and darkening of the fritters.
- Cut the sheet into diamonds of your preferred size. Heat the oil to 180°C or, alternatively, use a kitchen thermometer; test with a small piece of dough—when it floats and puffs up, it's ready.
- Start frying the fritters, turning them until golden (the operation is very quick; stay attentive to prevent burning).
- Drain the fritters well on paper towels, then arrange on a tray, sprinkling each layer with generous amounts of icing sugar.
- They taste excellent hot but are softer, and when cold, become crispy and flavorful! For an extra treat, drizzle with Nutella over the sugared fritters… pure pleasure!
- Enjoy your fritters.
Notes
If Vin Santo is not available, flavor with grappa, brandy, or rum. The teaspoon of baking soda helps make the fritters light and crispy. They will be even lighter if, for frying, you mix lard with peanut oil in equal parts. With this dough, you can also make delicious sweet ravioli filled with jam or chocolate cream. Serve with Vin Santo.