Homemade Funnel Cakes

This was the first Easter that I can remember when I didn't have baskets for the children.  Our celebration doesn't hinge on these at all, but I have special memories of my own of always having an Easter basket, and it's something I've continued with our children, being mindful, of course, to never make it the focus of our day.

But with everything going on with Luke, I just didn't have the energy or motivation to pull it all together.  And you know what, only my sweet Mountain Man even noticed!  He just loved giving me a hard time about it. :)

I did manage to make a favorite and special dessert for everyone Sunday evening, though.....our homemade funnel cakes!  These are yummy, yummy, yummy, and it really does help if you just splurge and spend $12.00 on a funnel cake kit.  The tools you get make this process so much easier as I can honestly tell you since I've tried it without these handy aids.

The blue container makes pouring out the batter easy...it's your "funnel."  The metal piece helps you shape a beautifully round cake that isn't too big.

The ingredients are simple...eggs, milk, sugar, flour, salt, and baking powder

3 eggs

2 c. milk

1/4 c. sugar

3 2/3 c. all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking powder

In a medium bowl, mix salt, baking powder, and half of the flour.  Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream eggs, sugar, and milk.  Add flour mixture and beat until smooth.  Continue to add remaining flour, but use only enough to achieve desired consistency.  Batter will be thin enough to run through a funnel.

Heat oil in skillet to 375 degrees.  (I've never measured the temp. of the oil, BUT I did make a note on my recipe as to the setting of the burner that gives me the best results...example...front rt. burner on 6)

Once the oil is heated, place your metal ring in the center and then pour the batter in the ring.  Let the cake set a few minutes and then remove the ring so you can turn the cake over easily.

I remove the ring with tongs.  Remove the funnel cake once golden brown, draining it on a paper towel and then sprinkling generously with powdered sugar or even cinnamon sugar (haven't tried that one.)

Announce that the funnel cake is ready and watch them run....

and happily eat!

Smile to yourself when you look at the empty plate, dirty forks, and sweet smiling faces of some very happy campers.  Pour yourself a glass of milk (and chill it in the freezer if you're like I am) and enjoy one yourself.

Remember, you don't have to have that fancy pouring thing or the metal ring....it just makes the job a bit easier and neater.  By all means, just pour the batter through a funnel and into the pan if you must.  I promise the end product will taste just as great!

Have fun!

P.S.  This recipe makes plenty for our clan with a few left over.  I refrigerate them and just warm in the oven briefly the next day.  They're yummy even then.

~recipe courtesy of Allrecipes.com