Ten Funnel Cakes

Don't ask me what it is about this time of year that makes me yearn for funnel cake.

I know it's not good for me.  I know it involves carbs.  And, a deep fryer.  And, sugar.  Maybe, chocolate sauce.

But it's one of my favorite things about going to summer carnivals.  It's a ritual this time of year to head to the county fair, buy some funnel cake and lemonade, and plant yourself in the grandstands for a good ol' fashioned tractor pull.

Yes, I'm a little hickabilly at heart.  I embrace it.

This weekend, I'll be hosting some of the little ones of our family.  Hopefully, it will be a weekend of movies and bonfires and most importantly, treats.  Funnel cake was an idea that popped into my head because it's something that I reserve for special occasions.  And what could be more special than this!?

I also like that funnel cake is easy to portion so the kiddies don't get stuffed with too much sugar.  And, everybody gets their own uniquely designed piece of dessert with the freedom to decorate their cake with whatever they choose.

I came up with a few ideas of my own to try for funnel cake toppings that I've been experimenting with for this weekend.




Ten Funnel Cakes

Base:
(adapted from Moms Who Think)

1 egg
2/3 cup milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Oil for frying


Heat a pan of oil to 350F.

Combine the rest of the ingredients with a whisk until smooth.  With a funnel, pour the mixture through the funnel into the oil.  Move the funnel to create a design.

Cook until the cake is golden brown and crispy.

Place on a paper-towel lined cookie sheet to drain excess oil.



Variations:

1.  Traditional:
Sprinkle Confectioner's sugar over the top of the funnel cake.

2. Churro:
Sprinkle the cake with a mixture 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon.  Serve with hot fudge on the side.

3.  Red Velvet:
To the batter, add 2 tbsp cocoa powder and 2 tsp of red food coloring.  Top with Red Velvet Glaze.

4.  Chocolate:
To the batter, add 2 tbsp cocoa powder.  Top with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

5. Hazelnut:
To the batter, add 2 tbsp Nutella.  Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of Nutella and toasted hazelnuts.

6. Peanut Butter & Jelly:
Drizzle melted peanut butter chips in one direction over cake.  Drizzle fruit-flavored ice cream syrup in the other direction.

7. Kool-Aid:
To the batter, add 2 tbsp concentrated Kool-Aid powder (in the packet, not the tub).  Top with whipped cream.

8. Grasshopper:
Drizzle melted mint chips in one direction over the cake.  Drizzle chocolate syrup or melted chocolate chips in the opposite direction.  Top with crushed Thin Mints.

9. Blueberry Cheesecake:
Drizzle cream cheese glaze (Red Velvet Glaze) over the cake in one direction.  Drizzle blueberry syrup in the opposite direction.  Top with fresh blueberries.

10. S'Mores:
Drizzle chocolate sauce in one direction over the cake.  Drizzle melted marshmallows or marshmallow sauce in the opposite direction.  Top with crushed graham crackers.



Listening to:  Skrillex - Bangarang