Seoul Maple Treats

Background and History

Seoul Maple Treats are a fusion of traditional Korean flavors and Canadian maple sweetness, bringing together two distinct culinary worlds. These delightful snacks are inspired by Korean hotteok, a popular street food. Originating from China, hotteok made its way into Korean cuisine during the late 19th century. By incorporating maple syrup, a staple of Canadian cuisine, we create a unique blend that pays homage to both cultures.

The combination of maple syrup with classic ingredients like brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts gives these treats a rich and satisfying flavor, perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a sweet ending to a meal.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour - 2 cups
• Maple syrup - 1/4 cup
• Instant yeast - 1 package (approx. 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• Warm water - 1 cup
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Brown sugar - 1/2 cup
• Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
• Walnuts, chopped - 1/2 cup
• Butter - for cooking
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Preparation Steps

Making the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt.
2. Slowly add the warm water and maple syrup to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Preparing the Filling

1. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts. Set aside until the dough is ready.

Cooking Instructions

Shaping and Filling the Treats

1. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
2. Flatten each ball into a pancake shape and place a tablespoon of the filling mixture in the center.
3. Carefully pinch and seal the edges of the dough around the filling to form a round, stuffed ball.

Cooking the Treats

1. In a skillet, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Place the filled dough balls seam side down in the skillet and flatten them slightly with a spatula.
3. Cook until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. Add a small pat of butter as they cook to enhance flavor.
4. Transfer the cooked treats to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

Dust the Seoul Maple Treats with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness. These treats are best enjoyed warm, paired with a cozy cup of tea or coffee.

Set a cooking timer if you're multitasking to ensure the treats do not overcook. Their crunchy exterior and gooey, flavorful filling make them a hit at any gathering or as a delightful personal treat.