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The Canadian Donut: A Guide to Making the Delectable Yum Yum

Introduction

Canada is known for its beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and love of hockey, but one often overlooked aspect of Canadian culture is its delicious culinary treats. One such delight is the Canadian Donut, also known as the Yum Yum. This pastry is a mouth-watering treat, boasting a unique combination of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making this delectable dessert at home.

What is a Yum Yum?

A Yum Yum is a deep-fried, twisted donut covered in a sweet glaze. Its origins can be traced back to Canada, where it has become a beloved treat for many. The Yum Yum is similar to a classic donut but with a twist - literally! It has a unique shape and fluffy texture, making it a perfect indulgence for those with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients

To make the Canadian Donut - Yum Yum, you will need the following ingredients:

For the dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
For the glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For frying:

Vegetable oil or shortening
Instructions

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warmed milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.

Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Add the beaten egg and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Shape the Yum Yums: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long. Twist each strip and pinch the ends together to form a loop. Place the shaped Yum Yums on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between them for expansion.

Second rise: Cover the shaped Yum Yums with a damp cloth and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, until they are puffy.

Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil or shortening to 350°F (180°C).

Fry the Yum Yums: Carefully lower the Yum Yums into the hot oil, a few at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. Remove the fried Yum Yums from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Prepare the glaze: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until a smooth glaze forms. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

Glaze the Yum Yums: Once the Yum Yums have cooled slightly, dip each one into the glaze, ensuring they are fully coated. Place the glazed Yum Yums on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to catch any drips. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.

Serve and enjoy: The Canadian Donut - Yum Yum is best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. If you prefer a warm treat, simply reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Variations

Although the classic Yum Yum is delicious on its own, there are many ways to add your personal touch and create new flavor combinations. Here are some ideas for inspiration:

Chocolate Glaze: Replace the vanilla extract in the glaze recipe with 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate glaze.
Cinnamon Sugar: Instead of glazing the Yum Yums, toss them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar while they're still warm for a cinnamon sugar twist.
Maple Glaze: Substitute maple syrup for the milk in the glaze recipe for a true Canadian flavor.
Fillings: After frying and cooling the Yum Yums, use a pastry bag with a filling tip to inject your favorite fruit preserves, custard, or whipped cream into the center.
Conclusion

The Canadian Donut - Yum Yum is a scrumptious treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. The combination of the soft, fluffy dough and the sweet glaze make it a delectable indulgence. With this simple recipe and a few tips, you can easily create your own Yum Yums at home, and even put your own spin on the classic pastry. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and start making this Canadian favorite today!