Churros

What are Churros?
Churros are a type of fried-dough that originated in Spain are part of Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. They can also be found the cuisines the Philippines and Latin American countries. They are very popular in the southwestern United States and France. Churros can be thin or thick, in a knot, in a circle or a stick and can be known as porras or jeringos. They are often a breakfast food but can be eaten at any time of day. It is said they were brought over to Europe by the Portuguese. Some people also say that Spanish Shepard's invented them as a substitute for bread.

Ingredients

 * 1 cup water
 * 6 tbsp. butter
 * 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
 * 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
 * 1 cup all-purpose flour
 * 1 tsp. kosher salt
 * 2 large egg
 * vegetable oil for frying
 * cinnamon
 * sugar

Method

 * 1) In a large saucepan over medium heat, add water, butter and sugar. Bring to a boil, then add vanilla. Turn off heat and add flour and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon until thickened, 30 seconds. Let mixture cool for 10 minutes.
 * 2) To cooled mixture using a hand mixer, beat the eggs one at a time until combined. Transfer mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip.
 * 3) In a large pot over medium heat, add enough oil to come up halfway up the sides and heat to 375 degrees. Holding the piping bag a few centimeters above the oil, carefully churros into 15cm ropes. Use kitchen scissors to cut off dough from piping bag.
 * 4) Fry until golden, 4-5 minutes, turning as necessary. Fry 3-4 churros at a time and let oil come back to 375 degrees before each batch. Remove churros with slotted spoon or tongs and immediately roll churros in a cinnamon sugar mixture, then place on a cooling rack.