Mandazis

Description
Mandazis

Ingredients

 * 2 cups warm water
 * 2 tsp baking powder
 * 4 cups all-purpose flour
 * one-half cup sugar
 * one-quarter tsp spice (one or more of the following to total one-quarter teaspoon: cardamom, cinnamon, allspice, ginger)
 * 2 tbs butter, margarine, or vegetable oil
 * one-quarter cup warm milk (optional)
 * 1 egg, lightly beaten (optional)
 * pinch of salt
 * oil for deep frying

Directions

 * 1) All pastry ingredients should be allowed to come to room temperature if they have been in the refrigerator.
 * 2) In a mixing bowl combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and spice.
 * 3) Add the yeast.
 * 4) Mix the water, butter (or margarine, or oil), milk, and egg together.
 * 5) Gradually add this mixture to the flour while kneading into dough.
 * 6) Head until a smooth and elastic dough is formed -- fifteen to twenty minutes.
 * 7) If using yeast: Place dough in a clean bowl, cover with a cloth, and allow to rise in a warm place for an hour or more.
 * 8) If using baking powder, let dough rest for several minutes.
 * 9) Divide the dough into several hand-sized pieces.
 * 10) Roll or press the pieces into circles about one-half inch thick.
 * 11) Cut circles into halves or quarters.
 * 12) Heat a few cups of vegetable oil to 300 degrees Farenheit in a skillet or deep pot.
 * 13) Fry the doughs in the hot oil, turning a few times, until they are golden brown all over.
 * 14) Fry only as many together as can float in the oil without touching one another.
 * 15) Place on paper towels to drain.
 * 16) Serve warm.