Funnel cake - Definition and Overview

Funnel Cake with powdered sugar

Funnel cake or funnelcake is a regional specialty food, originally associated with the Pennsylvania Dutch region of the United States. It is made by pouring batter through a funnel into hot oil in a circular pattern and deep frying it until golden brown. It is often served with powdered sugar or other toppings.

Funnel cake may be made at home (many recipes exist on the Internet), but it is also a popular offering at outdoor food stands in carnivals, fairs, Renaissance Faires, and seaside resorts. When made at concession stands, a separate funnel is not used; instead, the batter is poured from a specially-made pitcher with an integral funnel-like spout.

Funnel cakes resemble the items known as fried dough or "elephant ears," but these items are made with a risen yeast dough, whereas funnel cakes are made with an unleavened batter.

The Finnish analog of funnel cakes, tippaleipa, are traditionally served at May Day (Vappu) celebrations.

External links

• Jarco webite (http://www.concessionstands.com/Funnel.htm) showing photo of funnel cake, and much other information
• another Jarco page (http://www.concessionstands.com/Itemdesc.asp?ic=5109) with photo of funnel cake "pourin" (pitcher)
• SERTOMA (service organization) (http://www.decaturnet.org/sertoma/EearsBKJ.htm) club site with photo of "elephant ear"
• Fun-food Specialist's website (http://www.ffs.com.my/products/otherpro.html) showing photo of an "elephant ears/frying saucer" in a fryer