Getting Fried in Boston

------------------:------------------

People will deep-fry anything.  And, as expected, it will taste phenomenally.  Here are some of the more random offerings that are available via the fry-o-later:

• Mars bar
• Pickles
• Twinkie
• Cheesecake
• Oreos
• French Toast (hallelujah!)
• Artichokes
• Ice cream

------------------:------------------

------------------:------------------

Make your own Italian doughnuts (aka "Zeppole")

Vegetable oil, for frying
Olive oil, for frying
1 pound prepared pizza dough
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Pour equal parts of vegetable oil and olive oil into a large frying pan to reach a depth of 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees F.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/2-inch thickness. Using a floured 2-inch cookie cutter, cut out doughnut rounds. Using a floured 1-inch cookie cutter, cut out a hole in the center of each doughnut. Gather the dough scraps and re-roll to cut out more doughnuts.

Whisk the sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl to blend. Set the cinnamon-sugar aside.

When the oil is hot, working in batches, fry the doughnuts until they puff but are still pale, about 45 seconds per side. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the doughnuts to paper towels to drain. Cool slightly. While the doughnuts are still warm, add to the bowl with cinnamon-sugar and generously coat each 2 times with the cinnamon-sugar. Serve warm.

------------------:------------------

------------------:------------------

------------------:------------------

Most fried food is coated in some type of batter and/or bread crumb mixture.  And, while eating fried food is definitely not for the health-conscious, one way to make it a smidge healthier is by using panko bread crumbs instead of regular bread crumbs. 

Though they appear coarser and more uneven than traditional bread crumbs, panko bread crumbs are lighter because they’re made from the center of bread (rather than the crusts), which results in an airier texture.  Not only does this help them maintain crispiness longer, but they also cook more evenly and turn a great golden brown color.

So how are panko bread crumbs healthier?  For one thing, they contain considerably less salt and calories and absorb far less grease than standard bread crumbs.

Deep frying at home is a great way to indulge in your love for fried stuff without going out - and, have control over what and how you’re frying.

The simplest (and cheapest!) option is to buy a kitchen thermometer that clips onto the side of your pot, so that you can make sure the oil is at just the right temperature for popping in whatever it is your heart desires to be fried.

While spattering is one inevitable annoyance with this method, there are gadgets you can buy that help prevent a big mess.

If you’re more hard-core, investing in a countertop deep fryer might be for you.  The price points vary, but you can find a simple one like this (below) for around $40.  Home deep fryers are engineered quite nicely, so splattering is virtually non-existent, and cleanup is easy.

------------------:------------------

------------------:------------------

------------------:------------------

Using the right oil is imperative when deep-frying. 

First, you must choose an oil with a high smoke point.  At an oil’s smoke point, it starts to decompose and smoke, thereby giving whatever it is you’re frying a not-so-great flavor. When you use an oil with a high smoke point, you’ll be able to fry with it at a higher temperature without ruining the taste of your food.  Refer to the link below for a list of oils and their smoke points. 

With regards to your health, avoid trans fats by not using oil labeled “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated.”  Also try to minimize your intake of saturated fats by choosing an oil like canola oil (a saturated fat percentage of 6%) and avoiding higher-fat oils like lard (41%) or peanut oil (18%).

------------------:------------------

------------------:------------------

------------------:------------------