Bunuelos are originally from Spain. There they are traditionally a pastry served for Christmas, most of the time they are in the form of a ball of fried dough similar to a fritter.After traveling to South America, the pastry has taken on a new life and they are very often found in the form of a fried flour tortilla sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.
No matter which way you have them, bunuelos are not to be missed. Crisp and sweet, dripping with syrup, it's hard to eat just one.
Following the recipe for Bunuelos is a recipe for cinnamon syrup. This syrup is also great used on top of ice cream, drizzled over fresh fruit or mixed into hot tea.
Bunuelos:
Ingredients:
- 2 c flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2/3 c water
- 5 tbsp vegetable shortening
Mixing Instructions:
- In a medium sized bowl, mix together all dry ingredients
- Cut in vegetable shortening using a fork or pastry cutter
- Add in water a little at a time until flour mixture holds together
- Place dough on a floured surface
- Cut dough into 12 to 14 pieces and roll into balls
- With a rolling pin, roll out each ball of dough until it is about 1/4 inch thick and about 5" in diameter
- Separate circles of dough with waxed paper until ready to fry
Frying Instructions:
- In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1" of vegetable oil to 350 over medium high heat
- When oil is hot, carefully place dough into pan taking care not to drop the dough and splash hot oil
- Fry dough rounds one piece at a time
- Allow Bunuelo to fry for about 1 to 1 1/2 min until golden brown, turn and allow second side to brown
- If you would rather just sprinkle your pastry with cinnamon and sugar this is the time to do it while it is still warm and the sugar will easily stick to the pastry
- Continue to fry each dough round until all the pieces are done
Bunuelos will keep fresh in an airtight container for up to three days.
Cinnamon Syrup:
Ingredients:
- 1 c dark brown sugar
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cinnamon stix
- 1 c water
Cooking Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a saucepan over medium high heat and bring to a boil
- Reduce heat to low or medium low just to simmer
- Cook on simmer for 15 minutes until sauce has thickened slightly (If sauce needs to be stirred, be sure to use a wooden spoon. Using a metal spoon can cause sugar to crystalise and sauce will be grainy)
- Remove from heat and cool slightly
- Sauce is ready to use or can be stored in the refrigerator
No matter which way you choose to serve these delicious treats, topped with cinnamon sugar or with syrup, They are a sure crowd pleaser enjoyed by kids as well as adults. Try some at your next family gathering.
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