Christmas Fritters (Filhós)

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 orange, zested
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons brandy or Port wine
• 4 cups vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 cup granulated sugar, for coating
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, for coating

Method

1. 1

   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, and orange zest.

2. 2

   Add the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and brandy to the dry ingredients.

3. 3

   Mix and knead until a soft, sticky dough forms, about 8 minutes, either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.

   8:00 · Knead dough
4. 4

   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.

5. 5

   Punch down the dough and divide it into 24 equal portions, rolling each into a ball.

6. 6

   On a lightly oiled surface, stretch each ball of dough into a thin, irregular round about 5 inches across, letting the center be thinner than the edges.

7. 7

   Heat the vegetable oil in a deep 9-inch skillet or heavy pot to 350°F.

   10:00 · Heat oil
8. 8

   Fry the stretched dough rounds in batches of 2 to 3, turning once, until puffed and golden brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side.

   2:00 · Fry fritters
9. 9

   Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.

10. 10

    In a shallow dish, combine the sugar and cinnamon for coating.

11. 11

    While still warm, dredge each fritter in the cinnamon sugar until well coated.

12. 12

    Serve the fritters warm or at room temperature the same day.