I Must Be Greek!

I have this new found awareness that I am capable of recreating almost any of my favorite savory dishes!  Things that I used to only think came from restaurants (or once a year Greek festivals...ha!), I now realize come, not from these places or events...but from people....like me!  This may seem like a "duh" to some of you who realized this a long time ago, but I am finding it very exciting and liberating!


So now I introduce to you....

LOUKOUMADES!

(Formally known as those delicious warm Greek honey balls they serve once a year at the Greek Festival!)

My first homemade loukoumades with my dad's very own honey.

RECIPE

Source: Modern Greek by Andy Harris

Ingredients:

2 1/4 tsp. of yeast

1 cup warm water

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. salt

FOR THE SYRUP:

3/4 cup of Jack Kobe's honey  :)

1/3 cup water

Canola or peanut oil for deep frying

Making the Batter:

1) Dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup of the warm water for 15 minutes or until frothy

2) Place the flour and salt in a bowl

3) Make a well in the center and add the yeast solution and remaining 1/2 cup warm water.

4) Mis well to make a thick batter.

5) Cover with a damp kitchen towel and leave for 1 hour in a warm place or until the batter has doubled in size.

Making the Syrup:

Place the honey and water in a saucepan and simmer, stirring for 10 minutos!

Set aside to cool.

Making the Honey Balls!

1) Heat the oil in a large saucepan suitable for deep frying

2) Drop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil, turning them as they puff up.  Fry for about 3 minutes or until they are golden brown.

3) Drain on paper towels and keep warm until all the batter is used.

4)  When done...spoon syrup over the top and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Makes about 26

Yuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum!