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I am constantly amazed at how animated and talkative people get when you mention food. The mere aroma of certain foods can evoke memories that transport us back to a special place and time. Food can bridge the gap between all ages, races and ethnicities.
Let's face it, the only thing that should ever come between people is a table and some serving bowls.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Horton Hears A Who! Frying What? Where?



Don’t worry Horton; it’s only me that you hear. I am in the kitchen frying up a batch of elephant ears. I promise you that your ears are safe, not one single elephant has ever lost their ears or their life in the making of this recipe.

I never made the connection until recently that elephant ears and the fried dough I grew up with were one in the same. We always used pizza dough for our “Pizza Fritte” what we grew up knowing as fried dough. The ingredients for the elephant ears are almost the same except that the elephant ears use a Crisco type shortening and the pizza dough uses oil. I always find it interesting that so many cultures have similar versions of the same recipe. Indian fry bread and Sopapillas are another example of culturally popular fried dough recipes with very subtle changes to their ingredients and preparation. I guess one thing we can be certain of that no matter what it’s called or what part of the world it’s from people are definitely united in their love of fried dough.

Elephant Ears (not real elephant ears, Horton)!

1 1/2 cups milk
1 tsp. salt
2 packets dry yeast
2 tbsp. sugar
6 tbsp. shortening (Crisco)
4 cups flour
Oil for frying

Toppings:
Melted butter (optional)
Powdered sugar, sifted
Cinnamon/sugar mix

Heat but do not boil milk, sugar, salt and shortening until shortening is melted. Cool to lukewarm. Add yeast and stir until dissolved. Stir in flour 2 cups at a time, beating until smooth after reach addition.
Put into greased bowl. Cover with damp cloth, let rise until double. Dust hands with flour. Pinch off pieces of dough size of golf ball. Stretch into 6-8 inch circle. Drop into hot oil in pan large enough to fry 6-8 pieces. Fry until pieces rise, turn with tongs and fry until light brown. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with desired topping.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Awww! That movie sounds so cute. And your elephant ears sound delectable....

Julie said...

Thank you Hillary

Deborah Dowd said...

What a great idea! Reminds me of watching ET for the first time when my kids were young at home with bowls of Reese's Pieces, and wearing little alien antenna headbands!

Carla said...

Great connection with the intro. Gotta love fried dough :)

As for the bread machine, you really need to start using it. I never realized how amazing fresh bread tastes. My cat hates it because it makes noise, but he gets over it lol

Julie said...

Thanks Carla, if your one cat doesn't like the noise I can only imagine what my three cats will think of it lol.

Julie said...

Thank you Deborah