Enjoy a taste of Iceland with this traditional Kleinur recipe! These twisted pastries are lightly sweetened, deep-fried to golden perfection, and perfect for dipping in your favorite hot beverage.

Here's a recipe for Icelandic Kleinur:

Ingredients:

  - 4 cups all-purpose flour

  - 1/2 cup sugar

  - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  - 1/2 teaspoon salt

  - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  - 1 cup plain yogurt

  - 2 large eggs

  - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  - Canola oil, for frying

  - Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

2- Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract.

4- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.

5- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently until smooth.

6- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a rope about 6 inches long.

7- Twist each rope into a pretzel shape and press the ends to seal.

8- In a large, deep pot, heat the canola oil to 350°F (175°C).

9- Fry the kleinur, a few at a time, until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

10- Remove the kleinur from the oil and drain on paper towels.

11- Dust the warm kleinur with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy your Icelandic Kleinur!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients in the Icelandic Kleinur recipe:

4 Cups All-Purpose Flour:

 - Calories: About 1,820 kcal

 - Fat: 8g

 - Carbohydrates: 380g

 - Protein: 40g 

Benefits: Provides structure and texture in baking. Essential for making a variety of baked goods but low in fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain flours.

1/2 Cup Sugar:

 - Calories: About 400 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 100g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds sweetness and enhances flavor. Should be used in moderation due to high caloric content and lack of essential nutrients.

1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder:

 - Calories: About 5 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Leavening agent that helps baked goods rise. Provides no significant nutritional value but is essential for texture.

1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda:

 - Calories: About 0 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits:Another leavening agent that helps with the rise and texture of baked goods. Provides no nutritional value but is crucial for baking.

1/2 Teaspoon Salt:

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Enhances flavor and is necessary for electrolyte balance in the body. Should be used in moderation to manage sodium intake.

1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter (Softened):

 - Calories: About 400 kcal

 - Fat: 44g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds richness and flavor to baked goods. Provides fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K but should be used in moderation due to high fat content.

1 Cup Plain Yogurt:

 - Calories: About 150 kcal

 - Fat: 8g

 - Carbohydrates: 12g

 - Protein: 8g 

Benefits: Contains probiotics that support digestive health. Provides protein, calcium, and B vitamins.

2 Large Eggs:

 - Calories: About 140 kcal

 - Fat: 10g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 12g 

Benefits: High in protein and provides essential nutrients like vitamins A, D, and B12. Supports muscle growth and overall health.

1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract:

 - Calories: About 12 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds flavor to baked goods. Provides no significant nutritional value but enhances taste.

Canola Oil (For Frying):

 - Calories: About 120 kcal per tablespoon

 - Fat: 14g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits:Provides a neutral flavor for frying and is a source of monounsaturated fats. Should be used in moderation due to high fat content.

Powdered Sugar (For Dusting):

 - Calories: About 30 kcal per tablespoon

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 8g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits:Adds sweetness and visual appeal. Should be used sparingly to manage sugar intake.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and variations of ingredients used.