Funnel cake
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Funnel cake or funnelcake is a regional specialty food originally associated with the Pennsylvania Dutch region of the United States. Funnel cakes are popular around the United States at ballparks, fairs and festivals. Funnel cakes are made by pouring batter through a funnel into hot oil in a circular pattern and deep frying it until golden-brown. They are often served with powdered sugar, jam, or other toppings.
Funnel cake may be made at home (many recipes exist on the Internet), but it is most commonly known as a popular offering of outdoor food stands at carnivals, fairs, Renaissance fairs, and seaside resorts. When made at concession stands, a specially-made pitcher with an integral funnel-like spout is used instead of a separate funnel.
Funnel cakes somewhat resemble the foods known as fried dough or "elephant ears," but dough products are made with a risen yeast dough, whereas funnel cakes are made with an unleavened batter.
In Austria, the equivalent to funnel cake is called "Strauben" and is made and served (with regional varieties) the same way as among the Pennsylvania Dutch.
The Finnish analog of funnel cakes, tippaleipä, is traditionally served at May Day (Vappu) celebrations.
The Indian dish jalebi is also similar to funnel cake.
The Chinese you bing and you tiao are popular breakfast foods in Beijing.
[edit] See also
Funnel cakes are also widely sold across the south in areas that were once owned by France or those near them and are very popular at sporting events such as ones at Louisiana State Univesity, the University of Mississippi, and The University of Alabama.
[edit] External links
- Funnel cake company's website making funnel cakes since the 1970's
- Jarco website showing photo of funnel cake, and much other information
- Another Jarco page with photo of funnel cake "pourin" (pitcher)
- Fun-food Specialist's website showing photo of an "elephant ears/frying saucer" in a fryer
- Kingsof funnel cakes
