As part of our ongoing efforts to expand our services, especially for larger events. We have added a new Spanish Churros unit.
In the past we have added churros making equipment to various of our existing catering units. This one has been purpose built especially for high volume events, although it will work just as well at a wedding or smaller event.
High Capacity Churros Making Kit
To partner with our new unit, we selected a range of kit from J L Blanco, one of Spain’s leading manufacturers of churros making equipment.
High yield circular fryers were added in both electric and gas versions, allowing us the ability to operate with low power generators where necessary, or utilise the higher throughput of the electric fryer when adequate power is avialable.
Electric Churros Fryer
Automatic Churros Dispenser
To partner with the fryer we selected a fully automatic dough dispenser. This dispenses, measures and cuts the extruded dough to the correct length, dropping a pre selected number of churros into the fryer at the touch of a button giving our churros box a super high yield potential.
Automatic Churros Dispenser
Of course knowing the propensity of electronics to cease working at the most inconvenient of times, we also added a manual dispenser, allowing us to do it the old fashioned way.
Manual Dispenser
Birmingham Cathedral Market
The first outing for the new churros box was the cathedral Christmas market in Birmingham. A 5 week stint serving churros at the festive event proved the units worth.
Although the unit is perfectly at home with smaller events, it is designed primarily for larger events and festival, where it can operate constantly at high speed for hours on end. If you are planning a major event, or just have a lot of hungry guests then this is the way to go.
We have provided churros for a few years now. Originally baked churros, using a split baker, a bit like our waffles on a stick machine. Due to repeated requests, we eventually added traditional deep fried churros maker. This was using a single hand cranked extruder and a deep fat fryer, seconded from our burger units.
Our First Machine For Deep Fried Churros
TBH, this worked perfectly well. It wasn’t the fastest thing in Christendom, but for most events of 150 or so guests it was perfectly adequate. And as most of our jobs were paid corporate events, people were content to wait for their churros.
Upgrading To A Retail Set Up
Now No1 daughter, decided that she was going back to our roots, and dipping her toe in the fickle waters of retail. Thing is in retail, what you can earn is directly tied to how fast you can cook and serve. To this end, we looked at who were probably the world’s leading authority on Spanish Churros. Yup, the Spanish.
Talking to a contact that deals a lot with Spanish Showmen, he reported back that most of them had a thing for churros maker kit from the venerable company of José Luis Blanco.
Established in 1958 the company has been producing some of the worlds most highly rated churros machinery for over 60 years.
Auto Or Manual
That was the question, auto dispensers are good, require less staff training, and in the hands of the inexperienced are quicker than manual. The drawback is they use computers. Which when they work are very good. When they don’t they aren’t.
We decided that we would take the hit on productivity, to trade it against reliability. Manual has much less to go wrong, and losing one good day due to a malfunction would more than wipe out the extra from making a few more portions every minute.
We went with the 5 litre manual churros maker, which is the largest Blanco make.
Blanco 5 Litre Dispenser
I duly ordered this, and winced. It was bloody expensive. Like more than my first car expensive. However, when it turned up I had to say it was a work of art. I could just about lift the thing. It was like fusing a Rolls Royce with a Swiss Clock. Catering equipment porn.
Adding The Fryer
We also needed a fryer. The little fish and chip fryers, were not only big enough for high capacity. They also didn’t have the theatre of swirling the oil around the circular pan a la Spanish style.
So we talked to Blanco and ordered a high capacity electric fryer. Trouble was, it seems there is a bout a three month backlog waiting for delivery. As No1 daughter had decided to book the new churros cart into Christmas at The Cathedral in Birmingham, which happened to be only five weeks away, this wasn’t really going to work.
Blanco Electric Fryer
Additionally this thing takes 56 freaking amps to run it. We could have gone overboard and got the bigger one, which takes 125 amps, but we don’t have a private bloody power station to run it. Well, OK we do have a range of generators which can, but 125 amps jeez.
Enter liquid petroleum gas. Or LPG as it is commonly referred to. Churros fryers are also available as gas powered alternatives. Blanco do these as well. With the same waiting time so we were no further forward.
Enter Churro Sur. Another supplier, that evidently isn’t in the top tier, but still well regarded. They offered to have a gas fryer to us before the start date of the market on 15th November.
Churro Sur Gas Fryer
This company also produces diesel powered fryers. We opted to stick with gas. There is enough hate being spewed about diesel powered stuff from the enviro brigade without us being picketed for being a churros polluter.
Imagine walking down the bustling streets of a Spanish city, enticed by the aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the air. Your eyes land on a humble cart adorned with rows of golden, crispy delights. This is the world of churros, a beloved Spanish treat that has enchanted taste buds around the globe. In this exploration of churros, we delve into the history, cultural significance, and irresistible flavors that make these fried delights a universal favorite.
A Historical Journey:
The origins of churros can be traced back to Spain, where shepherds created the first version of these delectable pastries. It is believed that the Spanish shepherds, with limited access to fresh ingredients, used simple dough and fried it to a crispy golden perfection, providing a portable and satisfying snack during their long days in the fields. Over time, churros became a popular street food in Spain, gaining fame for their simplicity, affordability, and irresistible taste.
The Art of Churro-Making:
Crafting the perfect churro is an art that requires skill, precision, and a deep understanding of the delicate balance of ingredients. Traditionally made from a choux pastry dough, churros are piped through a star-shaped nozzle into hot oil, creating their iconic ridged and elongated shape. After achieving a crispy, golden exterior, they are often rolled in a tantalizing mixture of cinnamon and sugar, adding an aromatic sweetness that perfectly complements the dough’s subtle richness.
A Global Sensation:
From the streets of Spain to the bustling food markets of Mexico and the United States, Spanish churros have transcended their cultural roots to become a beloved treat around the world. Whether enjoyed as a dessert, a snack, or even a breakfast item, churros have seamlessly integrated into various culinary traditions, adapting to local tastes and preferences. This adaptability has led to the creation of innovative variations, including filled churros, churro ice cream sandwiches, and churro waffles, further cementing their status as a timeless indulgence.
Churros in Modern Gastronomy:
In contemporary culinary circles, churros have experienced a renaissance, with renowned chefs and pastry artisans infusing their own creative twists into this traditional delicacy. From experimenting with unique dipping sauces to incorporating unconventional flavors such as matcha, dulce de leche, or even savory options like cheese, the modern churro has evolved into a canvas for culinary experimentation, offering a delightful surprise with every bite.
The Joy of Churros:
More than just a dessert, churros embody a sense of joy and nostalgia, evoking memories of joyful moments shared with loved ones. Whether enjoyed at a festive celebration, a local fair, or a cozy café, the simple pleasure of biting into a warm, freshly made churro resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds, transcending cultural boundaries and fostering a universal love for this delightful pastry.
Churros, with their humble origins and irresistible flavors, have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. As we celebrate the joy they bring, let us savor the history and craftsmanship behind each delectable bite. From the streets of Spain to the corners of the world, the legacy of churros continues to thrive, symbolizing the enduring appeal of simple, timeless treats that have the power to connect us through shared experiences and the love of good food.
Happy national churros day. The delightful Spanish dessert, a bit like a doughnut, but long and fluted instead of round. Traditionally served with thick chocolate, but also perfect when filled with cream, jam or a variety of sauces.
History
Like many of our culinary delights, churros has a bit of an uncertain history. Thought ot have been brought from China to Europe by Portuguese merchants. The dessert resembles yóuzháguǐ a traditional Chinese recipe.
Another school of thought is that Spanish shepards made it to make up for fresh baked goods. Churros paste was easy to make and fry in the mountains where they spent most of their time.
There is also a recipe in Apicius the Roman cookbook for fritters made from flour and water, very similar to modern churros.
Whatever the true origins, churros now are a definite hit in the modern dessert world. So happy national churros day.
