Greek Donuts (Loukoumades)

250g plain flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons dried yeast
250ml warm water
vegetable oil

Syrup:
1 teacup sugar
1/2 teacup honey
1/2 teacup water

1. Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl, add the salt and mix the dried yeast into the flour.
2. Using the lukewarm water (hot water will kill the yeast) slowly add it to the flour, mixing with an electric beater until all the water has been added and the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy - don't do this for too long!!!
3. Cover with a clean tea towel and leave it in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size and looks frothy.

4. When the batter is about ready, first make the syrup by adding all the ingredients into a small saucepan, bring to the boil and simmer for about 5 minutes or until lightly thickened. Keep warm to serve with the donuts.

5. To deep fry the donuts you can use a deep-fryer or a deep saucepan. Fill with vegetable oil and heat to very hot, but not smoking.
6. Take a teaspoon, dipping it in water first to prevent the mixture from sticking, and take a teaspoon of mixture and drop it in the hot oil. Cook about 6-8 donuts at a time, depending on the size of your fryer.
7. The loukoumades will puff up and rise to the top of the oil very quickly. Turn them over and as they turn golden take them out with a slotted spoon and place on some absorbent paper. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
8. Heat up syrup and soak each donut and then place on a plate and sprinkle with cinnamon.

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