Funnel Cake, U.S.
The funnel cake, a fun fair tradition for decades, has its roots in the Pennsylvania Dutch region of the U.S. A loose cake batter is poured into hot oil through a funnel, creating its distinctive lacy shape. It’s delicious straight up with just a dusting of icing sugar, but strawberries and cream are a popular choice. Sweet shops in India offer a similar treat called jalebi. Smaller and with a crunchy-chewy texture, the jalebi is a deep-fried spiral is made with very fine wheat flour called maida, brightly coloured with red or yellow food dye, and soaked in sugar syrup.
