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.