BB member Roxann, Vineland, NJ (originally from Allentown, PA) writes:
A member writes: I was just thinking about my grandmother's Forgacsfank the other day and then I saw it mentioned in your newsletter. I used to love these and watched my grandmother make them. Do you have a recipe for this?
Reply: I knew when I wrote Forgacsfank that I'd receive a request for the recipe. The following is from Lang's "Cuisine Of Hungary". These are also called Bowknots, Csöröge or Fried Twists. Rum adds a nice flavor but you can substitute vanilla, rum or almond flavoring or a tablespoon of sweet white wine. Sour cream can be replaced with milk (add a drop or 2 of vinegar). Vanilla sugar can be made by adding a few drops of vanilla flavoring to the sugar and storing over night or adding a pod to some granulated sugar. Confectioner's works just as well but draws moisture so add only before serving. To duplicate your grandmother's flavor you must try to determine the exact ingredients she would have used. Everyone had their own version. My grandmother fried them in lard, which can be pretty flavorful. This recipe will give you a true Hungarian flavor. These have a delicate flavor and should not taste oily so use fresh oil.
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon light rum
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- pinch of salt
- 2 cups oil
- vanilla sugar
In a bowl, mix flour, egg yolks, 1/2 tsp. sugar, rum, sour cream and salt. Knead into a hard dough. Let rest 15 minutes.
Stretch (roll) into a very thin sheet. Cut into 5x3 inch pieces. Make a slit in center of each piece. Pull the two diagonally opposite corners to the center and tuck them into the slit.
Bring oil (2 quart frying pan) almost to smoking point and then turn down to lowest heat. Fry 2 or 3 pieces at a time for 1 or 2 minutes, turning as they become golden. Remove with long-handled fork and place on absorbent paper (paper towel works).
Place on platter and sprinkle with vanilla sugar or confectioner's sugar just before serving (sugar will attract moisture and make the twists soft if added before serving or storage). They can also be dipped into a little jam for each person before eating. They will store in an air tight container when cold. They are nice with coffee, tea or wine.