Brandied Orange Bowknots
Delightful brandied orange bowknots are tender, sweet pastries infused with orange and brandy, perfect for festive occasions or sophisticated desserts that impress guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Work in vegetable shortening with hands until the mixture resembles cornmeal.
- Add eggs and orange juice; mix to form dough.
- Shape dough into a ball, then cover with brandy and let stand for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough onto a floured board to a thickness of pie crust.
- Cut into 2-inch squares.
- Cut a slit in the center of each square and pull one end of the dough through the slit to form a bowknots shape.
- Deep fry the bowknots until golden brown, about 30 seconds.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your baking powder is fresh. If you don't have brandy, you can substitute with a flavored extract or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version. To achieve the perfect bowknots, twist the dough gently and avoid over-frying, as they can become tough. For a sweet twist, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These Brandied Orange Bowknots make a delightful dessert or snack. Serve them with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an added touch. They also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving alongside Pecans Squares for a varied dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bowknots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm and slightly crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brandied Orange Bowknots contains roughly 160 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1113mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of brandy?
Yes, you can substitute brandy with rum or whiskey for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, opt for orange juice or a flavored syrup that complements the orange notes in the recipe.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, gradually add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Make sure to avoid adding too much flour, as that can lead to dense bowknots.
How can I make these bowknots more festive?
To make your bowknots more festive, consider drizzling them with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and orange juice, or sprinkle them with colorful sprinkles. You could also serve them with a side of fruit compote for a pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).