Mad About Food: Chase this

Fried tequila shots for a Mad About Food food column. Photographed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Monday, April 24, 2023. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette) — Fried Tequila Shots. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

It’s May, and who doesn’t love the month of May? It starts with May Day where we get and give May baskets. Then there is Cinco de Mayo, followed by Mother’s Day. Plus May introduces warm weather season. I love May.

Which brings me to my article for this month. How does Fried Tequila Shots sound to you? It sounds festive and fun to me! What a conversation starter because who is familiar with the term? I know I wasn’t, but I was definitely intrigued. Your friends and family will be too. Just keep them away from the kids.

I am always on the lookout for easy to create food options that will bring the wow factor. These will not disappoint.

Fried Tequila Shots. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

This recipe is for Fried Tequila Shots — angel food cake soaked in tequila and then fried — is similar to a doughnut or beignet. And bonus — it is versatile as well. Feel free to make your own angel food cake, or use store bought. This recipe calls for a lime drizzle, but you could choose a strawberry drizzle, mango or raspberry drizzle, it is up to you. You could also add the liquor-infused whipped topping that comes in different flavor options. I’m new to this recipe, so I haven’t played around with it enough to know what other alcohols or liquors could be subbed in, but I’m certainly going to have fun trying new options!

I’m not sure I’d take these yummy treats to any place formal, but I’m sure I’ll have them at a cookout or an adult paint and sip or even an intimate picnic. I’d even have these with mimosas at a Mother’s Day brunch. They would certainly go well with Cinco de Mayo. Just set these cuties out to be enjoyed with a Madelo beer, a margarita or even as a chaser for an actual shot of your favorite tequila.

Who knew that angel food cake soaked in tequila and then fried could make anything except a mess? That’s why I love food so much. It’s awesome. I just love culinary arts. If I ever get on a cooking show, I'd do a lot of fun recipes just like this.

I had a lot of fun making these and they tasted great. I hope you will enjoy making them, too. Now let’s roll up our sleeves and wash our hands so we can get started creating our very own version of Fried Tequila Shots.

Reach Michelle Madden at Da Munchie Plug LLC on Facebook.

Recipe

Fried Tequila Shots

Ingredients:

Angel food cake, store bought or follow your favorite recipe (loaf pan or Bundt cake)

3 to 6 shots Tequila, your preferred brand

Zest of 1 lime, about 2 tablespoons of lime juice

Oil for frying, I used vegetable oil, use enough to deep fry in your choice of pan

1/2 cup to 1 cup powdered sugar

Dipping Sauce:

1/2 to 1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons milk

Directions:

Cut your angel food cake into one to two bite-size pieces.

In a shallow bowl, combine tequila and lime juice.

Quickly dip the cake into the tequila on all sides. Be careful not to soak the cake too much as a soggy cake piece won’t fry well.

Carefully lower the cake pieces into the hot cooking oil being mindful that the alcohol will cause the grease to splatter, so use caution and preferably a high walled fryer or pot. You also can use a strainer to lower the cake pieces into the hot cooking oil.

Fry until pieces are golden brown and then drain on a plate covered with paper towels.

Allow cake to cool a little before sprinkling with powdered sugar and lime zest.

Prepare the dipping sauce by whisking together the powdered sugar, lime juice, and milk place in a small bowl.

Use dipping sauce for dipping or drizzling over cake pieces and enjoy.

Source: Adapted by Michelle Madden