Grossmutter's Potato Cakes Recipe

Grossmutter's Potato Cakes Recipe

History and Fun Facts:
Grossmutter's Potato Cakes are a delightful recipe that has been passed down through generations, originating from Aunt Sarah's grandmother. This recipe is a variation of the well-known German cakes called "Schwing Felders." It is interesting to note that this recipe has been cherished and enjoyed for many years, highlighting the culinary traditions and culinary heritage of the past.

Now, let's dive into the details of making Grossmutter's Potato Cakes!

Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot mashed potatoes
- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- 1 scant cup butter and lard
- 1 cup home-made yeast or 1 yeast cake dissolved in 1 cup lukewarm water
- 3 eggs
- Flour

Instructions:

1. At 5 o'clock in the afternoon, start by setting the following ingredients to rise: 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of hot mashed potatoes. Mix them together until well combined.
2. Once the mixture is lukewarm, add 1 cup of flour and 1 cup of yeast (either homemade or dissolved yeast cake in 1 cup of lukewarm water). Stir everything together, creating a sponge-like consistency.
3. Place the sponge in a warm spot to rise. Let it rest until 9 o'clock in the evening.
4. In a separate bowl, cream together 1 cup of a mixture of lard and butter, 1 cup of sugar, 3 eggs, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.
5. Add the sponge to the creamed mixture and beat everything well. Stir vigorously until the dough becomes stiff.
6. Cover the dough and set it in a warm place to rise overnight, until morning.
7. Once the dough has risen, roll out a portion of the dough into cakes about one inch thick. Place them in pie tins and let them rise until they become light and fluffy.
8. Using your forefinger, make half a dozen deep impressions on top of each cake. This will give the cakes a distinctive appearance.
9. Spread melted butter over the top of each cake, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Additionally, sprinkle light-brown sugar generously over the top. Alternatively, you can make a sugar and butter mixture by combining 1 cup of sugar, butter the size of an egg, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 2 tablespoons of boiling water. Beat everything well and then spread this mixture on the cakes just before placing them in the oven.
10. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature.
11. Bake the potato cakes for approximately 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they are baked to perfection.
12. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven, allowing them to cool slightly before serving.

These Grossmutter's Potato Cakes are a delicious treat. They have a unique flavor and texture that comes from the incorporation of mashed potatoes into the dough. The combination of the sweet sugar and rich butter further enhances the taste, making these cakes a delectable dessert or snack.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoy Grossmutter's Potato Cakes, you might also like other potato-based dishes such as potato pancakes or latkes. These dishes are popular in various cultures and often served with sour cream or applesauce. Another similar recipe is the German dessert called Kartoffelpuffer, which is a savory potato pancake. It is typically served with a side of apple sauce or cranberry sauce.

In conclusion, Grossmutter's Potato Cakes are a treasured family recipe with roots in German cuisine. Passed down through generations, these cakes have stood the test of time and continue to bring joy and delight to those who taste them. So why not try making these potato cakes yourself and share in the tradition and deliciousness of this old-fashioned recipe?