Monkey Balls Recipes

Steps:

• Combine the yeast, water and sugar and let set about five minutes until the yeast is activated. Mix in the milk, butter, egg and salt, and begin adding the flour in about 1/2 c (71 g) increments until it hold together. Turn out onto a well-floured surface and knead about fifteen minutes, adding more flour as needed. Place into a well-oiled bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about an hour. Make filling (below) while the dough rises. After the dough has risen, dump it onto a lightly floured surface. Gently flatten the dough with your fingers to redistribute the air slightly. Pinch off a walnut-sized ball of dough, then flatten into a round. Fill with about a 1/2 tsp of filling (below) or sprinkle the center with cinnamon and sugar. Fold up edges into a ball shape, pinching seams to seal. Set on a lightly floured tray and cover. Repeat until all of the dough is gone, then place the formed monkey balls in the fridge overnight, or at least 8 hours. After the dough has rested, place it in an cool oven, along with a small boiling pan of water. Wait half an hour for the dough to warm and rise slightly. Meanwhile, heat oil to 365F (185C) and prepare a cooling rack by resting it upside down on a pile of paper towels to soak up excess oil. After dough has risen for the final time, gently move two or three at a time to the hot oil. Fry about a minute on each side, then remove to cooling rack over towels, flipping after about 15 seconds to a clean area. Allow to cool slightly, then enjoy! Monkey Ball Filling It's completely fine to simply fill the balls with a dry mix of cinnamon and sugar, but I used the following combination. What can I say - I was channeling my inner Paula Dean! 1/4 c (59 g) butter, softened 2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 c (36 g) brown sugar 1/2 tsp vanilla Beat the butter until slightly aerated and add the cinnamon and brown sugar. Beat until light, about five minutes, then add the vanilla. Whip briefly to combine, then use.

Steps:

• Knead dough.
• Mix sugar and cinnamon in small bowl.
• Pinch off dough into walnut-size balls.
• Roll in melted butter, then in sugar-cinnamon mixture.
• Place in butter-greased bundt or angel food pan, in layers.
• Sprinkle nuts over each layer, if desired.
• Pour remaining butter and sugar over top.
• Let rise, about 10 minutes.
• Bake in 325 degree oven for 35 to 45 minutes.
• Invert onto plate while still warm.

Steps:

• 1. in a stand mixer, blend bananas and peanut butter. Add powdered sugar. Mix well. It will still be kinda sticky.
• 2. Using a small (1oz) cookie scoop, scoop balls. Place 1 inch apart onto parchment lined cookie sheets that fit in your freezer. Balls will spread slightly.
• 3. Freeze for 2-3 hrs.
• 4. Reshape balls by rolling between your palms. Replace onto parchment/cookie sheets, return to freezer for 24 hrs. Balls must be completely frozen before dipping. If not, they'll melt in the chocolate and leave bits ruining the smooth finish of the chocolate.
• 5. Melt chocolate in double boiler.
• 6. Work quickly and in small batches. Leave most balls in the freezer until ready for them. Use a toothpick to gently pick one ball and dip into chocolate. Use a spoon to cover the top. Gently jiggle the ball to assist excess chocolate to drip off. (Too much and it'll pool below the ball.) Place on another parchment/cookie sheet. Sprinkle a small amount of kosher salt. Leave the toothpick in while you dip/sprinkle the next ball.
• 7. Back to the ball before, gently twist the toothpick out.
• 8. With the clean end of a toothpick (or fresh one) take a small dab of melted chocolate and seal the hole. Sprinkle more salt if you like.
• 9. Note: If you don't seal it, the filling with "worm" its way out. Repeat steps 6-8 until all balls are coated.
• 10. Once the chocolate is set, transfer balls into a sealable container. Place in fridge for 2-3 hrs.