Donuts – Best In Show

I just found out that Honey Dee Loukoumades won the People’s Choice award at the donut festival I recently attended. They were my equal favourite with the mini cinnamon sugar ones from Blondies Doughnuts.

Loukoumades or Lokma are deep fried balls of pastry which are soaked in syrup. The ones I had when I was young were soaked in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon and crushed walnuts. When I’ve made them myself, I’ve substituted the walnuts for sesame seeds. In fact you can have fun experimenting with different syrups, spices and nuts. Next time I might make them with maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice and pecans – perfect for Halloween 🙂

Spiced Syrup Donuts

Ingredients

for the doughnuts
250ml milk, lukewarm
60g unsalted butter, melted
1 egg, lightly beaten
7g sachet dried yeast
2 tablespoons caster sugar
2 cups plain flour, sifted
Sunflower oil for deep frying

for the syrup
2/3 cup honey
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Method
In a large bowl combine the milk, butter, egg, yeast and sugar. Stir until well mixed. Gradually add the flour and beat until smooth.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow to stand in a warm place for 1 + 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
Heat oil in a large saucepan to 170C / 325F.
Using a wooden spoon, beat batter until smooth.
Drop teaspoonfuls of the batter into the oil.
Turning the doughnuts so they brown on all sides, fry for 2-5 minutes or until they are evenly coloured and cooked through.
Drain on paper towels.
Heat honey in a small saucepan until warm.
Place doughnuts on a large dish and pour over warm honey.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and sesame seeds.