Fried Cakes. Mrs. Louise Jones. Recipe

Fried cakes, also known as doughnuts, are a beloved treat found in various cuisines around the world. These delightful pastries are deep-fried and often coated in sugar, making them a perfect indulgence for those with a sweet tooth. In this recipe, we'll be following Mrs. Louise Jones' traditional method to create a batch of delicious fried cakes.

Before we dive into the recipe, let's explore the history and fun facts behind these delectable treats. Doughnuts can be traced back to ancient times, with origins speculated to be in multiple cultures. One theory suggests that ancient Greeks and Romans enjoyed cooking small balls of dough in hot oil, then soaking them in honey or wine syrup. Another theory claims that Dutch settlers brought a similar pastry called "olykoeks" to America in the 18th century. Regardless of their exact origins, doughnuts have evolved over the years, becoming a beloved staple in many countries.

Now, let's begin our culinary adventure with Mrs. Jones' recipe for Fried Cakes.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup sweet milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
- 2 tablespoonfuls melted butter
- Flour enough to roll and cut
- Oil for frying
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, chocolate glaze, or icing

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, sweet milk, eggs, and melted butter. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.

2. Add the baking powder to the mixture and give it a good stir. The baking powder will help the dough rise and create a fluffy texture.

3. Gradually add flour to the mixture, stirring constantly until the dough forms a soft, slightly sticky consistency. The exact amount of flour required may vary, so add it gradually to achieve the desired consistency. You want the dough to be easy to handle but not too firm.

4. Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it lightly for a few minutes. This will help develop the gluten in the dough and make it more elastic.

5. Roll the dough out to a thickness of approximately 1/2 inch (1.25 cm). You can use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness.

6. Use a doughnut cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out individual doughnut shapes. Alternatively, you can cut the dough into squares or any other desired shape.

7. Prepare a deep fryer or a large, deep pot with oil for frying. The oil should be heated to around 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oil is deep enough to fully submerge the doughnuts while frying.

8. Carefully place the doughnuts into the hot oil, being mindful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

9. Once fried, remove the doughnuts from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

10. If desired, coat the warm doughnuts in powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, a chocolate glaze, or icing. You can also leave them plain if you prefer.

11. Serve the fried cakes fresh and enjoy! They are best eaten on the same day, while still warm and fluffy.

Fun Facts:
- National Doughnut Day is celebrated in the United States on the first Friday of June. This day honors the Salvation Army volunteers, known as "Doughnut Dollies," who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I.
- The term "doughnut" first appeared in print in Washington Irving's 1809 publication, "History of New York." However, the term "donut" became more popular in the mid-20th century due to its usage by the Dunkin' Donuts chain.

If you enjoyed making and savoring these fried cakes, you might also want to explore variations of doughnuts found in different cuisines. For example:

- Beignets: These French-style doughnuts are deep-fried until golden and puffy, then generously dusted with powdered sugar.
- Churros: Originally from Spain, churros are made from a simple dough mixture that is piped into hot oil, resulting in long, crispy doughnuts. They are often served with a thick chocolate sauce for dipping.
- Loukoumades: A popular Greek treat, these bite-sized doughnuts are made using a yeast-based dough and fried until golden. They are traditionally soaked in honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon.

So go ahead and explore the world of fried cakes and their delightful variations. Happy cooking and indulging in these sweet treats!