Filhozes Portuguese Doughnuts

My Mom is a true baker.  She is passionate about her desserts.  You will never stop by her house without having some type of homemade delicacy waiting for you.  I literally mean, never! My Dad has such a sweet tooth and he loves this traditional delicacy, Filhozes, Portuguese Doughnuts.

My kids will tell you that stopping by Vovô’s and Vô’s house is like visiting Mr. and Mrs. Claus.  They are always jolly, full of love and there are always treats waiting for them.  It is such a pleasure to gather Around the Family Table at their home.

I spent the day yesterday cooking in Vovô’s Cozinha. What a great day we had cooking  traditional Portuguese Christmas Desserts. The kids were all in school so it was just the three of us.  It was so wonderful to hear them talking about their childhood and  the tradition behind each recipe.  Both in their 70’s and coming to the US from Portugal, their life truly has been a journey.  They love to talk about it and I love to listen.

It’s hard to believe that their Mother’s didn’t own electric mixers.  They would mix the batters by hand. Their ovens were brick ovens built into the wall. I can still remember watching my Grandmother bake bread and I couldn’t wait for it to come out of the great big wood burning oven.  It was hard and crusty on the outside and soft and light on the inside.  Add a tad of butter….mmmm… to this day, it is still one of the most amazing things I have ever eaten.

I love traditions and there is nothing more valuable than spending time doing what you love with your Family.

Filhozes are a traditional Christmas Dessert in Portugal.  It wouldn’t be Christmas Eve without having them on your dessert table. They are made with Flour, Eggs, Orange Zest and Pumpkin.  They are just amazing!

This recipe has been in my Mom’s family for generations and will continue to be passed down.

Filhozes Portuguese Doughnuts

 

Author: www.familyfoodierecipes.com

Recipe type: Dessert

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Ingredients

• 4 Cups of Flour
• 2 Cups of cooked Pumpkin pureed or 1 16 oz can of Pumpkin
• Juice of 2 Oranges and zest of the outside of one
• 3 Eggs
• 1 package of Active Dry Yeast
• ¼ Cup of Port Wine or Brandy
• ¼ Cup of Reserved Pumpkin water or plain water
• Oil for frying
• Powdered Sugar
• Cinnamon

Instructions

1. Cook Pumpkin and puree with food processor (if using fresh pumpkin.) Reserve water.
2. Mix Pumpkin, Orange Juice, Orange Zest, Eggs
3. Shift Flour and Yeast and add to the pumpkin mixture, one spoon at a time
4. Mix flour and all ingredients are mixed well
5. Set aside for at least one hour to rise
6. Heat oil in fryer or frying pan
7. Dip mixture into the oil by the tablespoon
8. Fry until golden brown
9. Drain on paper towels
10. Sprinkle with Cinnamon and Sugar while warm

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Aren’t they amazing?  Who would think that the combination of Flour, Pumpkin and Orange could be this delish!

Kids Ratings: Alexandra 10, Ronnie 9, Reis 10, Riley 9.5