Golden Hanukkah Delights: Paradise Ponchikehs with Chocolate and Orange Sauce

Paradise Ponchikehs Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 40 Ponchikehs

Description:

Paradise Ponchikehs are a delightful treat originating from the rich traditions of Jewish holiday cooking. This recipe, sourced from Ruth Sirkis’ renowned cookbook “A Taste of Tradition – The How and Why of Jewish Gourmet Holiday Cooking,” promises a fusion of European flavors and Hanukkah festivity in every bite. These deep-fried delights, coated in a warm sauce of your choice, are a perfect indulgence for the whole family, boasting a preparation time of under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 4 tablespoons margarine
• 1 cup flour
• 4 eggs
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons margarine
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Margarine for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare Dough:

   • Begin by bringing the water to a rolling boil in a saucepan.

2. Incorporate Margarine:

   • Add 4 tablespoons of margarine to the boiling water and continue heating until the margarine completely melts.

3. Add Flour:

   • Gradually pour in the flour while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Mix until the dough forms a cohesive ball and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.

4. Remove from Heat:

   • Once the dough is well combined, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside momentarily.

5. Incorporate Eggs:

   • Beat the eggs into the dough, adding them one at a time. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

6. Heat Oil:

   • Heat a sufficient amount of margarine in a deep frying pan until it reaches frying temperature.

7. Form Ponchikehs:

   • Using a teaspoon or a pastry bag, drop portions of dough into the hot oil. Allow them to puff up and turn them as needed to achieve even browning.

8. Drain and Serve:

   • Once the Ponchikehs are golden brown, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

9. Prepare Sauce:

   • Choose between two delectable sauce options: Chocolate Sauce or Orange Sauce.

Chocolate Sauce:

• Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons margarine

• Instructions:

  1. Combine the corn syrup and chocolate in a saucepan.
  2. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously until the chocolate is completely melted.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and margarine until well mixed.
  4. Keep the sauce warm until ready to serve.

Orange Sauce:

• Ingredients:

  • 2 cups orange juice
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons margarine
  • 1 tablespoon orange liqueur
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Grated orange rind

• Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, sugar, and cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
  2. Allow the sauce to boil for 1 minute, then remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
  3. Stir in the margarine, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and grated orange rind until well combined.
  4. Keep the sauce warm until ready to serve.

Serving:

• Serve the freshly fried Paradise Ponchikehs hot, accompanied by your choice of warm Chocolate or Orange sauce, for a truly indulgent Hanukkah dessert experience.

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey infused with tradition and flavor, as you savor these delightful Paradise Ponchikehs with your loved ones. Enjoy the warmth and joy of the holiday season with each delectable bite! 🕎🍩