Sep 07 2026
RestaurantsMcWhorter BarbecueToresma Recipe

Toresma Recipe

Inspired by McWhorter Barbecue
Time45m
Serves4

Make Toresma Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Main Batter

Method

Main Batter

  1. 1

    Mix dry ingredients

    In a large bowl whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined and aerated.

  2. 2

    Combine wet ingredients

    In a separate bowl whisk the eggs until slightly frothy, then add the milk, melted butter and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth.

  3. 3

    Make batter

    Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are fine. The batter should be thick but pourable — about the consistency of pancake batter. If too thick, add up to 2 tablespoons milk.

  4. 4

    Rest batter

    Let the batter rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to hydrate the cornmeal and relax the gluten.

Filling & Fold

  1. 5

    Prepare cheese filling

    While batter rests, in a medium bowl combine the drained ricotta, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest and ground cinnamon. Stir until smooth and homogenous. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.

  2. 6

    Prepare brown-sugar butter layer

    In a small bowl mash together the softened unsalted butter and dark brown sugar until it forms a spreadable paste.

  3. 7

    Assemble Toresma shapes

    Lightly flour a work surface. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of batter onto the surface and spread into a rough 3-inch circle, about 1/4 inch thick. Place 1 tablespoon of the ricotta filling in the center of the batter circle, then add about 1 teaspoon of the brown-sugar butter on top of the filling. Fold the batter circle in half over the filling to form a semicircle, then press the edges gently to seal. Repeat to make 8 toresma (adjust quantity if batter remains).

Finish & Frying

  1. 8

    Heat oil

    Pour about 1/2 inch (enough to shallow-fry) of neutral oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) or a bubble test (a drop of batter sizzles steadily). Maintain medium heat to avoid burning.

  2. 9

    Fry toresma

    Carefully transfer 2–3 assembled toresma to the hot oil (do not overcrowd). Fry 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed, turning once with a slotted spatula. Adjust heat as needed so they brown evenly without burning.

  3. 10

    Drain

    Using a slotted spatula, transfer fried toresma to a paper towel–lined baking sheet or plate to drain excess oil. Fry remaining toresma in batches.

  4. 11

    Dust and serve

    While still slightly warm, dust the toresma with powdered sugar. Serve 2–3 per person, drizzled with honey or maple syrup if desired.

  5. 12

    Storage

    Cool completely, then store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6–8 minutes to crisp before serving.

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