4 Carnival specialities to savour in Alsace

Schankalas (or Schenkele)

A traditional Alsatian Carnival treat, my grandmother used to make Schankalas on the farm during the Carnival season. Meaning "little legs", this fried dough is hearty, easy to share, and dangerously addictive!

Let's cook!

Ingredients: 400 g flour * 250 g sugar * 4 eggs * 130 g butter * 125 g ground almonds * 1 tbsp. Alsace kirsch * 2 pinches salt

Mix together the flour, eggs, sugar, butter, almonds, and a splash of kirsch. Shape the dough into small logs, then deep fry in hot oil until a lovely golden brown. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar. I love them with a good homemade apple compote!

Fastnachtskiechle (flat Carnival doughnuts)

These doughnuts are a Carnival staple in central and southern Alsace. Their flat shape makes for quick cooking, ideal when making them for a crowd!

Let's cook!

Ingredients: 500 g flour * 75 g butter * 20 g fresh yeast * 250 ml milk (warm) * 3 tbsp sugar * 2 eggs * pinch salt

Sift the flour, make a well, and then add the rest of the ingredients. Knead well to obtain a soft, airy dough, and then roll it out to about 2 cm thick. Cut into squares or circles (using a glass). Let rise for 2-3 hours, depending on the temperature of the room, until puffy. Fry, drain, and dust with sugar or powdered sugar. I love them warm, either plain or sprinkled with cinnamon!

Sweet Knepfle

Usually a savoury pastry, Knepfle also have a sweet version made during Carnival, especially in the valleys of the Vosges Mountains. They're simple but delicious, shall we give them a try?

Let's cook!

Ingredients: 250 g flour * 2 eggs * 100 ml milk * 1 pinch salt * 40 g butter * 60 g sugar * 1 tsp cinnamon (optional but very Alsatian)

Prepare a soft dough with the flour, eggs, and milk. Using a spoon, form small dumplings and cook in simmering water. Drain, pan-fry in butter, and then roll in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Filled doughnuts (Krapfen)

Found all over Alsace, especially during cavalcades and village festivities, filled doughnuts symbolise the joyful indulgence of Carnival. In my family, everyone has their favourite: plum jam, apple compote, or chocolate hazelnut!

Let's cook!

Ingredients: 80 g butter * 150 g sugar * 4 eggs * 1 packet vanilla sugar * ½ packet of baking powder * 4 tbsp. milk * 500 g flour * powdered sugar for dusting

Cream the butter and sugar together until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla sugar, then mix well. Stir in the baking powder, milk, and flour. Cover with a tea towel and leave to rest for 1 hour in the fridge.

Divide the dough into several medium-sized balls and roll out on a lightly floured work surface to 5 mm - 1 cm thick. Shape into balls and fry in medium hot oil, turning as soon as the first side is golden. Drain and dust with powdered sugar.

As children, we loved cutting the dough into strips, diamonds, or all kinds of fun shapes. With or without a filling, the variations are endless!

Liesel'stip

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