Schenkeli – The carnival pastry in 5 variations

What are Schenkeli?

Better known as the “Schenkeli” are the “Fasnachtsküchlein”, the flattened, round, deep-fried, wafer-thin flat cakes that are so beautifully crispy. And of course they are sweet, and covered in powdered sugar. In some cantons in Switzerland they are also called “knee covers” because they are flattened over the knees.

The Schenkeli (which in German means thighs), on the other hand, are not as well known, and are only made in some parts of Switzerland. In Ticino, where I live, it is very difficult to get them in stores, so I make them myself.

Both are carnival pastries

“Schenkeli” and “Fasnachtsküchlein” are by no means light pastries, as they are deep-fried. But since they are eaten at carnival – in winter, when it is cold – they have their justification.

In addition, in the past the fasting period began after the carnival.

As a child I only knew the basic recipe, only now that I am interested in spices I tried out other variations. And with success!

Here is the recipe:

Basic recipe for about 40 pcs.

Ingredients:

• 100 g butter
• 175 g sugar
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• 2 eggs
• 400 g flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Oil for deep frying

Preparation:

Stir butter until soft, add sugar and eggs and stir until the mixture is light. Add flour and baking powder and make a soft dough. Leave to rest in the fridge for an hour.

Form a finger-thick roll on a little flour and cut pieces about 6 cm long. Shape the sides = let the ends taper slightly.

Bake in 160 °C hot oil in portions until light brown. The top of the Schenkeli should be slightly torn. After frying, drain on a grid covered with household paper.

 

Schenkeli with cardamom

Ingredients:

• 1 portion basic dough
• 3 – 4 tsp ground cardamom

Preparation:

Prepare basic recipe, add cardamom with flour and baking powder.

Form and fry like basic recipe.

 

Schenkeli with cinnamon or cassia

Ingredients:

• 1 portion basic dough
• 3 – 4 tsp ground cinnamon or cassia

Preparation:

Prepare basic recipe, add cinnamon or cassia with flour and baking powder.

Form and fry like basic recipe.

 

Schenkeli with allspice and nutmeg

Ingredients:

• 1 portion basic dough
• 3 ½ tsp ground allspice
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

Preparation:

Prepare basic recipe, add allspice and nutmeg with flour and baking powder.

Form and fry like basic recipe.

 

Schenkeli with ginger

Ingredients:

• 1 portion basic dough
• 3 tsp ginger powder

Preparation:

Prepare basic recipe, add ginger powder with flour and baking powder.

Form and fry like basic recipe.

 

And which variant do you like best? I am happy about your comment!