Deep-Fried Delights

There are times when I crave for deep-fried goodies like crispy chicken wings, tempura and french fries. This time I was looking for something sweet and deep-fried. I came across two interesting recipes that I'm passing along to you. Check them out, they're really good!

Deep-Fried Coconut Balls from BurntLumpia (quoted verbatim)

"Cascarone (AKA Brown Sugary Balls)
Yield: about 12-15 doughballs

1 cup rice flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup water, divided
1/4 cup macapuno (macapuno is shredded coconut that can be found in jars at Asian markets)

For the glaze:
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon water

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, baking soda, and half of the water (1/4 cup at this point) and mix well. Slowly add the rest of the water, little by little, until a dough is formed. You may not have to use all of the water.

Add the macapuno to the dough and mix well. If the dough is too sticky, add more rice flour if needed. The dough should be easy to work with.

Using your hands, break off small pieces of the dough (about 1 tablespoon) and roll between your palms to form spheres. Place the spheres on wax or parchment paper.

In a large frying pan, heat a half-inch of oil (canola or vegetable) over medium-high heat. Test the oil by gently dropping a small piece of dough into the pan. If the dough sizzles gently, the oil is ready. Place the rest of the doughballs in the pan and fry until golden brown. Place the fried doughballs on paper towels to drain.

Meanwhile, make the caramel by combining the brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of water in a small saucepan over medium heat. When the sugar and water reach a boil, reduce heat and continue to stir until all of the sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute.

While the doughballs are still warm, place them in a medium bowl and pour the caramel over them. Toss to coat the doughballs with the caramel. Serve immediately."



Deep-Fried Coca Cola from The Cutting Board recipes (quoted verbatim)

"Deep-Fried Coca Cola

3-4 cups all-purpose flour
3 eggs
2 cups Coca-Cola
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
Confectioners' sugar (for topping)
Pure Coca-Cola Syrup
Whipped cream
Maraschino cherries

Beat the eggs, then add the sugar and Coca-Cola.

Sift 2 cups of flour, the salt and the baking powder and add to the Coca-Cola, sugar and egg mixture. Mix while adding more flour until the batter is smooth and not too thick.

Put vegetable oil into deep fryer, and heat to 375 degrees F.

Pour the batter into the fryer and cook up a mass of doughy strands.

Stuff into a Coca Cola cup, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and douse with pure Coke syrup. Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry."