Brandy Puffs
Delightful brandy puffs featuring tangy mandarin flavor, light airy texture, and a hint of alcohol, perfect as an elegant dessert or teatime treat for sophisticated palates.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat eggs until light and foamy.
- Beat in the sugar, chopped mandarin peel, and soft shortening.
- Mix together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Blend the flour mixture into the egg mixture alternately with the mandarin jelly and brandy to make a smooth batter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your eggs are beaten until very light and frothy. You can substitute brandy with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version or use a flavored liqueur for a twist. If you prefer a different fruit flavor, try using chopped citrus zest or even a bit of vanilla extract in place of mandarin peel.
Serving Suggestions
Brandy Puffs can be served as a delightful dessert or a sweet snack. Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. They also pair beautifully with Frosty Green Grapes for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving them alongside coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Brandy Puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, but be aware that they may lose some of their original texture. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brandy Puffs contains roughly 88 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2225mg per serving (97% 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 make Brandy Puffs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before baking. However, for the best texture, bake them fresh if possible.
What can I substitute for mandarin jelly?
If you don't have mandarin jelly, you can use apricot or orange jelly as a substitute. Both will provide a similar sweetness and fruity flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
Are Brandy Puffs suitable for children?
Due to the brandy content, these puffs may not be suitable for young children. However, you can easily make a non-alcoholic version by replacing the brandy with orange juice, maintaining the flavor without the alcohol.
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).