Picarones

Picarones

Ingredients

• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks (4")
• 4 - 6 cloves
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 cup puréed butternut squash (or replace with sweet potatoes)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅛ tsp coarse salt
• 6 cups vegetable oil

Directions

The syrup

1. In a small saucepan, combine the dark brown sugar, 1 cup granulated sugar, cinnamon, chili pepper, and cloves with 1 cup water.
2. Simmer over a low flame for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens into a syrup.
3. Set aside to cool.
4. In a small mixing bowl, combine the milk and yeast with 1 tablespoon of sugar and allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes, or until creamy.
5. Stir in the cornstarch and allow to sit a few minutes longer.
6. Place the puréed squash or sweet potatoes in a large bowl.
7. Add the yeast-cornstarch mixture and blend thoroughly.

The dough

1. Stir in the flour and salt and continue to stir vigorously to make a runny, soft, well-blended dough.
2. Place the mixing bowl in a draft-free place, cover with a dampened cloth of plastic wrap, and let rise for about 2 hours, or until doubled in bulk.
3. Deflate the dough with a wooden spoon.
4. The dough should be soft.
5. In a deep fryer or heavy saucepan, heat the oil to 325 °F.
6. Dip out 1 tbs of the dough and, with another tablespoon, scrape the dough into the hot oil and fry until golden.
7. As soon as they are cooked, remove the picarones from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
8. To serve, arrange the picarones on a platter and pour the syrup over them.