LOUKOUMADES {Greek Donuts}

The lovely, Crystal of Wabi Sabi and I recently teamed up to create and photograph my favorite Greek treat: Loukoumades. These little, yummies are so light and airy with that touch of crispy goodness. Aren't her photos gorgeous? Seriously, I want to lick the pictures! Be prepared for a gooey, sticky, delightful mess of honey, but trust us... it's totally worth it. Yum!

Ingredients:

2 packages active dry yest

1/2 c. warm water

3/4 c. scalded milk

1/4 c. white sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/3 c. softened butter

2 eggs

3-1/2 c. all purpose flour

1/2 c. water

vegetable oil

honey

cinnamon

walnuts

Add yeast to warm water and let stand. Pour scalded milk in a bowl, add sugar and salt and blend together and cool to lukewarm. Stir yeast mixture well and add to milk and sugar.

Mix in butter, eggs and flour and beat vigorously until batter in smooth. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes or until dough doubles in size. Stir down well and let rise for another 30 minutes. Stir down again (trust me, it's worth it).

Heat approximately 2" of vegetable oil to 350 degrees in a tall pot on the stove. Drop small spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, turning until golden brown.

Drain on paper towel and drizzle with cool honey, cinnamon and walnuts.

Enjoy!