Kaiping Mahua (Twisted Cruller)

Kaiping Mahua (Twisted Cruller)

　　The mahua from Yishun Store is one of Kaiping’s traditional snacks. The golden crullers are crispy yet soft, fragrant and sweet.

　　Preparation Method:

　　Ingredients: 1 cup milk, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 3½ cups all-purpose flour (standard measuring cup, 1 cup = 240 ml), 1 teaspoon salt, 6 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons dry yeast. Method: 1. Heat the milk to lukewarm, let it cool to room temperature, dissolve the yeast in it, then pour into a bowl. Add beaten egg, oil, and mix well. 2. Sift the flour + sugar + salt into the bowl, then knead the dough. 3. After the dough is well-kneaded, cover and let it rest until it doubles in size (poke a small hole with your finger dipped in flour; if it doesn’t shrink back, it’s ready). 4. Place the dough gently on a floured surface, roll it out, cut into strips as desired, roll each strip into a cylindrical shape, hold both ends and twist in opposite directions, then lift the ends and swirl to form a twisted cruller shape. Let it rest and proof for half an hour. 5. When the oil is hot (the shaped crullers should float upon entering the oil), deep-fry until golden brown, then remove and drain on kitchen paper.