CHIN-CHIN MAKING TUTORIAL

Chin chin is a popular fried pastry native to West Africa. It can be prepared in numerous ways, but the most common varieties are usually crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Traditionally,  [...]

Combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together the sifted flour, salt, baking powder, nutmeg, and sugar until evenly combined.
1. You could try using other spices, as well, incl  [...]

Sprinkle the cut butter over the surface of the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or fork to cut the butter into these ingredients, continuing until the butter is evenly dispersed and until the mi  [...]

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well-blended. Add the vanilla and whisk again until it, also, is evenly combined with the other ingredients.
1. For a slightly di  [...]

Form a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the egg mixture inside this well, then gradually mix the dry ingredients from the sides of the well into the center. Continue mixing until the we  [...]

Turn the dough out onto a clean, lightly floured surface and knead the dough by hand several times, just long enough for it to become smooth and somewhat elastic.
1. You should also lightl  [...]

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or place it back into its bowl. Place it in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes.
1. If the dough seems firm enough, you might be able to skip this step, es  [...]

Place the chilled dough on a clean, lightly floured surface. Use a floured rolling pin to roll the dough out until it is an even 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick all the way around.
1. Try to keep  [...]

Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the rectangle of dough into strips that are roughly 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) wide. Cut the dough crosswise into another set of 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) strips, ultimately formin  [...]

Cut the dough into 2 inch (5 cm) squares. Cut each square in half diagonally, then poke a small hole in the center of each triangle. Carefully pull one corner of the triangle through the hole, forming  [...]

Pour 1/2 to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 cm) canola or vegetable oil until a medium skillet or saucepan. Heat on high until it reaches a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
1.  [...]

Pour 1/2 to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 cm) canola or vegetable oil until a medium skillet or saucepan. Heat on high until it reaches a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
1.  [...]

Remove the fried chin chin using a slotted spoon. Place them on a plate lined with clean paper towels to drain off the excess oil.
1. Repeat the frying and draining steps until the entire  [...]

Prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or wax paper.
1. Strictly speaking, chin chin should be fried and not baked, so you cannot get a fully accurate taste by  [...]

Place the chin chin pieces on your baking sheets in a single layer. Transfer the pans into your preheated oven, then bake until the tops begin to turn slightly golden.
1. Make sure that th  [...]

Flip the pieces over using a spatula. Continue baking them for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until both sides have become golden brown.

Remove the chin chin from the oven when done and allow them to cool slightly for 3 to 5 minutes on the baking sheet.
1. The pieces should not be allowed to cool completely. You simply want  [...]

Chin chin are often sprinkled with a little sifted powdered sugar. Transfer the pieces to a serving platter and dust the tops with sugar before presenting them to your guests.
1. An easy w  [...]