
A historical bread from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913). Excellent with coffee. Can be fried like doughnuts in hot lard, or in a spider with lard and butter, turning to brown all four sides.
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
Cut into narrow strips an inch wide and three inches long
fry brown in hot lard like doughnuts
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Serve hot; excellent with coffee
Or fry in a spider with an ounce each of lard and butter, turning and browning all four of the sides
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
The acid in sour milk reacts with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide gas, which creates air pockets and a tender, cake-like texture in these fried breads. The quick mixing and minimal gluten development from the soft dough ensures the puffs stay light rather than tough. Frying at the proper temperature (350-375°F) creates an immediate seal on the exterior, preventing excess oil absorption while allowing the interior to cook through and puff up from steam expansion.
The dough can be mixed, rolled, and cut up to 2 hours ahead. Layer the cut strips between sheets of parchment paper, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature for 15 minutes before frying for best results.
These puffs are best served immediately while hot and crisp. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, but they will lose their crispy exterior. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore some crispness, though they won't match the freshly fried texture.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
The dough can be mixed, rolled, and cut up to 2 hours ahead. Layer the cut strips between sheets of parchment paper, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature for 15 minutes before frying for best results.
These puffs are best served immediately while hot and crisp. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, but they will lose their crispy exterior. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore some crispness, though they won't match the freshly fried texture.