Wiener Schlosserbuben (Prune Fritters)

During carnival time the Viennese „Schlosserbuben“ (literally: locksmith boys) are especially recommendable. However, we are not talking about craftsmen. These delicacies from the Viennese cuisine quite simply denote baked plums. They are fried in lard or oil and are therefore an ideal alternative to the popular Viennese carnival doughnuts. By the way: The “Schlosserbuben” have a perfect counterpart in the Viennese cuisine: Baked apricots are called “Wäschermadeln” (literally washerwomen)!

Serves: 6 servings

Ingredients:

16 juicy prunes (pitted)
250 ml (0,4 pt) apple juice
4 cl (0,064 pt) old plum brandy or rum
100 g (1/4 lb) marzipan
3 cl (0,048 pt) plum brandy for the marzipan filling
100 g (1/4 lb) bitter chocolate (grated)
40 g (1/8 cup) icing sugar
butter or peanut oil for baking

milk batter:

150 ml (0,2 pt) milk
2 egg yolks
2 egg whites
30 ml (0,048 pt) oil
1 cooking spoon vanilla sugar
1 pinch salt
100 g (1 cup) flour (fine)
25 g (1/8 cup) sugar

Preparation:

Soak the pitted prunes in the apple juice and plum brandy over night. Pour off the liquid, and drain on kitchen paper. For the filling, mix well the marzipan and the plum brandy and fill into a pastry bag (round nozzle). Squeeze the mass into the cavity of the plums. Combine the grated chocolate with the icing sugar. For the milk batter, combine 2/3 of the milk with the egg yolks, oil, vanilla sugar and salt. Add the flour and stir until smooth. Pour in the rest of the milk.Whisk the egg whites with the sugar until stiff and gently fold into the batter. Avoid stirring for too long, otherwise the mixture will become too thick. Heat enough butter or oil for frying in a deep pan. Dip the plums in the mixture and fry a golden brown. Remove and drain well. Sprinkle with chocolate icing sugar.
Suggested side dish: Vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream

Enjoy with: Sweet wine