**Discover the Delightful World of Loukoumades and Xerotigana: A Culinary Journey Through Greece's Beloved Twisted Delicacies**
In the realm of Greek culinary artistry, two delectable treats stand out with their unique twists and tantalizing flavors: loukoumades and xerotigana. These揚げたおやつ, often dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with honey syrup, capture the essence of Greek hospitality and the country's rich culinary heritage. While loukoumades are soft and fluffy on the inside with a crispy golden exterior, xerotigana are crispy throughout with a hint of crunchiness. Both are incredibly versatile, offering endless possibilities for customization with various toppings and fillings. Embark on a culinary voyage to explore the intricacies of these beloved Greek pastries and uncover the secrets behind their irresistible charm.
PUFFY GREEK TWISTS
The original idea came from a Taste of Home recipe, Crisp Caraway Twists. Thought I would put a different spin on it and make it Greek. These are just addictive, can't eat just one.
Provided by Jane Whittaker
Categories Cheese Appetizers
Time 40m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- 1. Thaw the puff pastry to package directions.
- 2. Pre heat oven to 375°
- 3. Open up first sheet of puff pastry.
- 4. Process the artichoke hearts and kalamata olives in a food procesor.
- 5. Spread half cream cheese over dough and sprinkle half the olive mixture over cream cheese. Sprinkle half of the parmesean cheese over the filled dough.
- 6. Fold the pastry over, and press to close all around the edges.
- 7. Cut 18 strips cross wise through the dough.
- 8. In a bowl wisk the egg and water together, brush over the top of the filled pastry.
- 9. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon sesame seeds over the dough.
- 10. Take the first strip, holding both ends, twist the dough into a twisty shape.
- 11. Repeat for second puff pastry dough.
- 12. Place on a baking sheet sprayed lightly with pam. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes , or until golden.
- 13. These are at their best warm right out of the oven.
ITALIAN PUFF PASTRY TWISTS
Not only are these twists delicious, but they'll look pretty displayed on your table too!-Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 20m
Yield 2 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic and Italian seasoning; set aside., On a lightly floured surface, roll each pastry sheet into a 12-in. x 10-in. rectangle; cut each widthwise into 1-in. strips., Twist each strip two to three times; place on greased baking sheets. Brush with butter mixture; sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 400° for 8-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 120 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 6mg cholesterol, Sodium 94mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein.
PUFF PASTRY TWISTS
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment or buttered waxed paper.
- Unroll the puff pastry on a work surface. Brush the pastry generously with melted butter.
- In a small bowl, toss together the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the pastry.
- Working lengthwise, cut the pastry in half and then cut each half into 6 even strips, each 3/4-inch wide. Twist the strips to make long twisted "straws".
- Transfer to the prepared pan, pushing the ends down with your thumb to help them stay in place on the pan and remain twisted. Bake until puffed and golden brown, about 20 minutes.
- To make the sauce, heat the milk in a saucepan. Pour the hot milk over the chocolate and whisk to melt it. Whisk in the peanut butter until smooth. Keep sauce warm until ready to serve.
- To serve, place the twists on a tray and serve with the sauce along side for dipping.
CHEESE STRAWS
Provided by Ina Garten Bio & Top Recipes
Categories appetizer
Time 30m
Yield 22 to 24 cheese straws
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Roll out each sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured board until it is 10- by 12-inches. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush the surface of the pastry. Sprinkle each sheet evenly with 1¿4 cup of the Parmesan, 1¿2 cup of the Gruyère, 1¿2 teaspoon of the thyme, 1¿2 teaspoon of the salt, and some pepper. With the rolling pin, lightly press the flavorings into the puff pastry. Cut each sheet crosswise with a floured knife or pizza wheel into 11 or 12 strips. Twist each strip and lay on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned and puffed. Turn each straw and bake for another 2 minutes. Don't over bake or the cheese will burn. Cool and serve at room temperature.
GREEK BREADSTICKS
Get ready for rave reviews with these crisp breadsticks twisted with Greek-inspired goodness. Best served fresh from the oven. -Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 35m
Yield 32 breadsticks.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place artichokes and olives in a food processor; cover and pulse until finely chopped. Unfold 1 pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface; spread half of the cream cheese over half of pastry. Top with half of the artichoke mixture. Sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese. Fold plain half over filling; press gently to seal., Repeat with remaining pastry, cream cheese, artichoke mixture and Parmesan cheese. Whisk egg and water; brush over tops. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Cut each rectangle into sixteen 3/4-in.-wide strips. Twist strips several times; place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets., Bake at 400° for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm, with tzatziki sauce if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 101 calories, Fat 6g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 11mg cholesterol, Sodium 104mg sodium, Carbohydrate 9g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.
PUFFY OVEN PANCAKE OR "HOOTIN' ANNIES"
This is a great breakfast that is truly yummy. The kids will love how it puffs up in the oven. Pour syrup over them or use canned apple pie filling that has been heated up.
Provided by Lubie
Categories Breads
Time 23m
Yield 6 pancakes
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Heat oven to 450 degrees F.
- In blender or bowl, blend together eggs, milk, flour, and salt.
- Melt butter in 9x13 pan in oven.
- Remove pan from oven.
- Pour in batter.
- Return to oven and bake (without peeking) for 18 minutes.
- Pancake should be very high and puffy.
- Remove from oven and cut into 6 large squares.
- Serve immediately.
Tips:
- Use the right type of flour: All-purpose flour is the best choice for these twists. Bread flour or cake flour will not produce the same results.
- Activate the yeast properly: In order for the twists to rise properly, the yeast needs to be activated. To do this, proof the yeast in warm water with a little bit of sugar before adding it to the dough.
- Knead the dough well: Kneading the dough helps to develop the gluten, which gives the twists their chewy texture. Knead the dough for at least 5 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place: The dough needs to rise in a warm place in order to double in size. This will take about 1 hour.
- Fry the twists in hot oil: The twists need to be fried in hot oil in order to get their characteristic puffy texture. Heat the oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the twists.
- Drain the twists on paper towels: After frying, drain the twists on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Conclusion:
These puffy Greek twists are a delicious and easy-to-make treat. They are perfect for a quick snack or dessert. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can enjoy these delicious twists.
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