"Ich Bin Ein Berliner" (German Jelly-filled Donuts)

No... I am *not* a jelly donut, but I do enjoy eating them! Growing up there were always German bakeries around. Sometimes my Dad would even drive to the place *he* grew up (a long time German immigrant town) just to go to the German bakery there. Every Saturday found crumb cake or jelly donuts (officially called Berliners) on our breakfast table.

Some time ago I was cruising through Saveur's top 100? 150? recipes, and lo and behold there was a recipe for Berliners. Could it be true? But seriously? Their picture did not reflect the gratuitous amount of sugar that a good German bakery might have on theirs.

I made them tonight, and even just holding one in my hand brought a flood of memories back. Also? I discovered that the jam in the doughnuts is actually plum jam... I just never knew it. Also, for pure authenticity, there were even a few exploding donuts. :-)

My notes on the recipe are to definitely use plum jam. I know they give the option to use Strawberry, but if you want the real deal, then you must use plum. Also, this is a very slack dough, so don't worry - they turn out great - but when you go to roll it out, be sure to flour your rolling pin well, and butter your parchment.

Anyway, here is a picture.

Oh yeah. So delicious. 

Here is a link to Saveur's recipe